India sends a warship to respond to the hijacking of a Liberian-flagged vessel in the Arabian Sea. The pirates who hijacked the vessel are demanding a ransom of $5 million. Moreover, the Indian Navy is working to secure the release of the ship and its crew.
In response to an attempted hijacking, the Indian Navy swiftly took action in the Arabian Sea. Commandos boarded a Liberian-flagged cargo vessel, believed to be the MV Lila Norfolk, where about 15 Indian crew members were on board. The navy, using the stealth-guided missile destroyer INS Chennai. It conducted sanitization operations to ensure the safety of the crew from the pirates. The incident, reported near the Somali has left Indian crew members at the mercy of unidentified pirates demanding a hefty ransom of $5 million.
The incident follows a series of recent attacks on commercial vessels in the region, prompting increased maritime security efforts by India. Last month, several ships were deployed to the waters, aiming to counter piracy and safeguard the busy sea routes.
The maritime incident was reported after MV Lila Norfolk raised an alert through the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations portal. According to the Indian Navy, five to six armed individuals had boarded the vessel. While it was not confirmed whether the hijackers still controlled the ship. An overhead patrol flight verified the safety of the crew on Friday morning.
Chaotic Times In The Sea
The Indian Navy’s proactive stance comes in the wake of heightened piracy activities, with Somali pirates hijacking the MV Ruen in December. Additionally, Iran-backed Houthi rebels targeting commercial ships in the Red Sea have raised concerns. It heavily impacted traffic heading for the Suez Canal.
Emphasizing India’s commitment to maritime security. Defense Minister Rajnath Singh stated, “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.”
Despite a decline in Somali pirate attacks since 2015. Recent incidents highlight the ongoing need for vigilance and international cooperation in safeguarding maritime routes.
Moreover, the success of the operation will hinge on a combination of effective communication, strategic planning, and a swift course of action.
This news story will be updated as further developments unfold. Stay tuned for the latest information on this critical maritime security situation.
