A Liberian-flagged vessel 'MV LILA NORFOLK' has been hijacked near Somalia's coast, said Indian Navy sources.
A statement by the Navy said it was closely monitoring the vessel about which information was received last evening. There are 15 Indian crew members on board. "Indian Navy aircraft have been keeping a watch on the ship and communication has been established with the crew," ANI quoted Navy officials.
The statement added that Indian Navy's Mission Deployed platforms responded swiftly to a maritime incident in Arabian Sea. "The vessel had sent a message on United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) portal indicating boarding by approx five to six unknown armed personnel in the evening on 04 Jan 24. Responding swiftly to the developing situation, Indian Navy launched a maritime patrol aircraft and has diverted INS Chennai deployed for Maritime Security Operations to assist the vessel," the statement added.
"The aircraft overflew the vessel on early morning of 05 Jan 24 and established contact with the vessel, ascertaining the safety of the crew. Naval aircraft continues to monitor movement and INS Chennai is closing the vessel to render assistance," the statement added.
According to British maritime security firm Ambrey, the vessel was destined for Khalifa bin Salman port in Bahrain.
Last month, the Indian Navy has responded swiftly to the hijacking of Malta-flagged vessel MV Ruen in the Arabian Sea. The Navy had diverted its naval maritime patrol aircraft and a warship to assist the distressed vessel. However, no Indians are present on the MV Ruen, which has 18 crew on board.