The Indian Navy successfully foiled a hijacking attempt of a cargo ship off the coast of Somalia on Friday, rescuing all 21 crew members, including 15 Indians, onboard the vessel. The cargo ship, MV Lila Norfolk, was sailing from Oman to Kenya when it was attacked by pirates on Thursday.

The ship sent a distress signal, which was picked up by the UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO), a British military organisation that monitors maritime security in the region. The UKMTO alerted the Indian Navy, which was conducting anti-piracy operations in the area.

The Indian Navy immediately dispatched its warship, INS Chennai, a guided-missile destroyer, to the location of the hijacked ship. INS Chennai launched its helicopter and issued warnings to the pirates to abandon the ship. The Navy also deployed its elite Marine Commandos (Marcos), who boarded the ship and conducted sanitisation operations. They confirmed the absence of hijackers and secured the ship and the crew.

The Navy said that all 21 crew members, comprising 15 Indians, four Bangladeshis, one Egyptian, and one Filipino, were safe and unharmed. The Navy also praised the bravery and professionalism of the Marcos, who carried out the operation with precision and speed.

The Navy said that it will continue to patrol the waters off Somalia, which are notorious for piracy and armed robbery. The Navy said that it is committed to ensuring the safety and security of Indian and international shipping in the region.

source: newsonair