Indian Navy Rescues 21 People Aboard MV Lila Norfolk Ship From Near Somalia Coast

Following the hijack of MV Lila Norfolk near the Somalia coast, the Indian Navy successfully rescued 21 people including 15 Indian nationals from the ship.

Image of the crew members of MV Lila Norfolk who were rescued

Source : X/@ANI

The Indian Navy rescued 21 crew members of merchant ship MV Lila Norfolk, including 15 Indians, from pirates off the Somalia coast. The rescue operation was launched soon after the hijacking and they warned the sea pirates immediately. Marine Commandos (MARCOs) were sent for the sanitisation. The marine personnel confirmed the absence of hijackers. According to news agency IANS, Navy Chief Admiral R Hari Kumar said that in order to prevent such attacks in the future, four warships have been stationed in the Arabian Sea.

The Indian Navy in a statement said. "Indian Navy swiftly responded to the hijacking incident onboard Liberian flagged Bulk Carrier MV Lila Norfolk deploying considerable strength of assets (both ships and aircraft) and an aggressive intent to counter-attack by pirates. INS Chennai guided-missile destroyer arrived at the scene of action by 03:15 pm. Continuous aerial recce of MV Lila Norfolk was undertaken by MQ9B (Sea Guardian), P8I and integral helicopters," as reported by news agency ANI. 

The statement added, "Subsequently, the Indian Navy Marine Commandos boarded MV Lila Norfolk and undertook thorough sanitisation of the upper decks, machinery compartments and living spaces. The team did not find any pirates onboard. Forceful warnings by the Indian Naval aircraft to the vessel and likely interception by IN warship, probably compelled the pirates to escape during the night hours. All 21 crew of MV Lila Norfolk have been rescued and are safe. Indian Naval forces are investigating the suspected vessels in the area."

The Indian Navy further stated, "Presently, the crew of MV is engaged in restoring propulsion, power supply and steering gear. Thereafter, MV Lila Norfolk will recommence her passage to her destination under escort of the Indian Naval Warship," reported ANI.

Indian Navy statement - Indian Navy swiftly responded to the hijacking incident onboard Liberian flagged Bulk Carrier MV Lila Norfolk deploying considerable strength of assets (both ships and aircraft) and an aggressive intent to counter-attack by pirates. INS Chennai… pic.twitter.com/hCXL9iMru5

— ANI (@ANI) January 6, 2024

The crew members after being rescued thanked the Indian Navy for their prompt action. They were seen raising slogans of "Bharat Mata Ki Jai".

#WATCH | First visuals of the rescued Indians, who were a part of the crew, onboard the hijacked vessel MV Lili Norfolk. The jubilant members of the crew chant "Bharat Mata ki Jai" and thank the Indian Navy.

All 21 crew, including 15 Indians, were safely evacuated by the Indian… pic.twitter.com/uoL96VIrEw

— ANI (@ANI) January 6, 2024

INS Chennai is in the vicinity of the said ship and is rendering support to restore the power generation and propulsion.

#IndianNavy’s Swift Response to the Hijacking Attempt of MV Lila Norfolk in the North Arabian Sea.
All 21 crew (incl #15Indians) onboard safely evacuated from the citadel.

Sanitisation by MARCOs has confirmed absence of the hijackers.

The attempt of hijacking by the pirates… https://t.co/OvudB0A8VV pic.twitter.com/616q7avNjg

— SpokespersonNavy (@indiannavy) January 5, 2024