At least 15 Indian crew members are on board MV Lila Norfolk, which was hijacked near Somalia’s coast on Thursday.
What we know so far:
‘Crew operating ship from strongroom’
A patrol aircraft overflew the vessel early Friday and established contact with the crew and ascertained that they were safe, the Navy said.
Commander Mehul Karnik, a navy spokesperson, said the crew members said they were in their strongroom and were operating the vessel from there.
No group has so far claimed responsibility for the assault. There have been growing concerns about shipping in the region following attacks by Yemeni Houthi rebels.
Crew contacted, closely monitoring situation: Navy
A Navy spokesperson told reporters that a Naval aircraft is monitoring the movement of the ship and INS Chennai is sailing near the vessel to render assistance. “The overall situation is being closely monitored, in coordination with other agencies in the area,” he said.
INS Chennai was diverted to assist the vessel and a naval aircraft overflew the hijacked vessel on Friday and had established contact with the crew, said the Navy.
“The Indian Navy remains committed to ensuring safety of merchant shipping in the region along with international partners and friendly foreign countries,” the spokesperson added.
5-6 armed men boarded ship
MV Lila Norfolk sent a message on the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations portal — a British military organisation that tracks movements of various vessels in strategic waterways — saying five to six unknown armed personnel had boarded on the evening of January 4, the Indian Navy said in a statement.
The merchant vessel was hijacked by the pirates 300 nautical miles east of Somalia.
It was sailing from Port Du Aco (Brazil) and was bound for Khalifa Bin Salman in Bahrain.
Indian Navy on high alert
The Indian Navy has increased its surveillance of the Arabian Sea after a recent spate of attacks in the region.
Earlier this week, the Navy said it had investigated a large number of fishing vessels and boarded boats of interest in the north and central Arabian Sea.
“India plays the role of a net security provider in the entire Indian Ocean region. We will ensure that maritime trade in this region rises from the sea to the heights of the sky,” defence minister Rajnath Singh said last month of the increased surveillance in the region.
(With inputs from agencies)
Watch MV LILA NORFOLK’ hijacked off Somalia’s coast with 15 Indian crew members aboard