INS Chennai: The Indian Navy is actively tracking the situation involving the hijacked merchant ship 'MV LILA NORFOLK' near Somalia's coast, revealed officials on Friday. This Liberian-flagged vessel reportedly carries 15 Indian crew members, and the Navy has established communication with them, stated a military spokesperson.

The Indian Navy has intensified its surveillance of the situation after receiving reports of the hijacking of the 'MV Lila Norfolk,' involving Indian crew members, according to sources cited by ANI news agency.

Aircraft from the Indian Navy have been deployed to closely monitor the movements of the hijacked ship. Establishing communication with the crew is deemed critical in assessing the conditions aboard the vessel.

To address the situation, the Indian Navy warship INS Chennai has been mobilized towards the hijacked vessel, the officials confirmed.

Key details surrounding the hijacking, such as the identity of the perpetrators, remain undisclosed at this time.

Rising Incidents of Piracy
This incident comes shortly after the seizure of a Maltese-flagged merchant ship in the Arabian Sea by unidentified assailants, shining a spotlight on the resurgence of piracy. The vessel reported that six individuals, termed 'pirates,' had unlawfully boarded it.

Amid the tense situation, the Indian Navy conducted an evacuation operation from the hijacked cargo vessel. They evacuated a Bulgarian crew member, one of the 18 individuals aboard, to ensure necessary medical attention after he sustained injuries from the pirates. This evacuation was carried out by the frontline ship INS Kochi.

The Indian Navy's proactive measures highlight the escalating concerns regarding piracy in these waters, emphasizing the need for heightened vigilance and swift action in addressing such incidents.

India Receives Invitation to Join US-Led Naval Coalition in Red Sea

India Awaits Next Steps after Qatar Ruling on Indian Navy Veterans

Indian Navy Unveils Distinctive Epaulette Design Inspired by Chhatrapati Shivaji