Elite Indian Marine Commandos Thwart Pirate Hijacking: MV Lila Norfolk Safe
In a dramatic turn of events, the Indian Navy has successfully averted a potential disaster as its elite marine commandos, known as MARCOS, arrived on the cargo ship ‘MV Lila Norfolk,’ which was hijacked off the coast of Somalia late yesterday. The hijacking was promptly reported by the UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO), triggering a swift response from the Indian Navy. The MARCOS unit is currently engaged in sanitization operations to secure the vessel, with approximately 15 Indian crew members on board in the Arabian Sea.
Military officials have confirmed that the Indian crew members are safe, alleviating concerns about their well-being. The navy’s immediate and decisive action underscores the strategic importance of maintaining security in vital waterways, such as the Arabian Sea. The hijacking incident comes at a time when the Navy had already heightened its presence in the region following a series of shipping attacks, including a recent drone attack near India’s coast, attributed to Iran by the United States.
Naval warship INS Chennai, initially on anti-piracy patrol, swiftly responded to the distress call, diverting its course to aid in the operation. The warship has deployed its helicopter and issued warnings to the pirates, urging them to abandon the hijacked vessel. This successful intervention showcases the Indian Navy’s commitment to ensuring the safety of maritime activities in the face of evolving security challenges in the region.
The incident follows a growing trend of maritime disruptions, with vessels rerouting from the Red Sea due to heightened tensions, including drone and missile attacks by Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi rebels. The Indian Navy’s proactive stance serves as a crucial deterrent in safeguarding shipping lanes and maintaining regional stability. Last month, a similar drone attack targeted the MV Chem Pluto tanker off the coast of India, highlighting the increasing need for vigilant maritime security measures.
As the situation unfolds, the Indian Navy remains on high alert, emphasizing the ongoing commitment to monitoring and addressing security concerns in the Arabian Sea and surrounding regions.
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