“Maritime Crisis: Cargo Ship with 15 Indians Hijacked off Somalia; Navy Enacts Swift Response”
Cargo Ship with 15 Indians Hijacked off Somalia
Cargo Ship with 15 Indians Hijacked off Somalia, In response to the hijacking of a cargo ship named ‘MV LILA NORFOLK’ off the Somali coast, the Indian Navy swiftly took action, dispatching the warship INS Chennai to closely monitor the unfolding events and ensure the safety of the 15 Indian crew members onboard.
As the Indian Navy began its vigilance over the hijacked ship, INS Chennai was deployed promptly to keep a close watch on the situation, demonstrating the Navy’s commitment to safeguarding its crew. The vigilance commenced last evening upon receiving the initial information about the hijacking.
Simultaneously, Indian Navy aircraft were deployed to monitor the situation. Communication was established with the crew who found refuge in a safe house aboard the ship, as reported by military officials. This communication not only ensured the safety of the crew but also provided a critical link between the Navy and the hijacked vessel.
Responding to a separate incident, the Indian Navy’s Mission Deployed platforms swiftly reacted to a hijacking attempt on a Liberia-flagged bulk carrier in the Arabian Sea. The vessel reported the boarding of approximately five to six unknown armed individuals via the UKMTO portal on Thursday evening. In a coordinated effort, an MPA (Maritime Patrol Aircraft) was deployed, and INS Chennai, originally on Maritime Security Operations, was redirected to offer assistance to the besieged vessel.
On the following morning, an aircraft flew over the hijacked vessel, establishing contact and confirming the safety of the crew. Naval aircraft continue to persistently track the vessel’s movement, while INS Chennai approaches to provide necessary assistance, emphasizing the ongoing commitment to resolving the situation.
The overall situation is being closely monitored in coordination with other agencies and the Maritime Neighbourhood Force (MNF) in the region. This collaborative effort ensures a comprehensive approach to managing the crisis and mitigating potential risks.
The recent hijacking incident comes in the wake of heightened pirate attacks, particularly exemplified by the seizure of a Maltese-flagged merchant vessel in the Arabian Sea. This event has brought piracy back into the spotlight, with the vessel indicating that six ‘pirates’ had illegally boarded it.
In response to the hijacking of the cargo vessel, the Indian Navy demonstrated its commitment to the safety of all crew members by evacuating one of the 18 individuals, a Bulgarian national, who was injured during the pirate attack. The frontline ship INS Kochi played a pivotal role in evacuating the injured sailor, showcasing the Navy’s dedication to providing medical care and support to those affected by such incidents.
Reflecting on historical trends, pirate attacks in the region peaked between 2008 and 2013. However, concerted efforts by a multi-national maritime task force, including the Indian Navy, led to a steady decline in pirate activities thereafter. These efforts highlight the importance of collaborative measures in ensuring maritime security and deterring piracy.
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In conclusion, the recent hijacking incidents underscore the ongoing challenges posed by piracy in maritime regions. The Indian Navy’s prompt and coordinated response reflects a commitment to ensuring the safety of its crew members and addressing the evolving security landscape in the maritime domain. The collaborative efforts with international partners further emphasize the need for a united front in countering piracy and maintaining maritime security.