Marine Commandos Rescue 21 Crew Members from Hijacked Vessel

In a bold and swift operation, the Indian Navy’s elite marine commandos successfully rescued 21 crew members, including 15 Indians, from a bulk carrier in the North Arabian Sea. The daring rescue mission was prompted by a distress call received by British authorities from the Liberian-flagged MV Lila Norfolk, reporting an attempted hijacking by armed individuals.

Key Details:

1. Distress Call and Swift Response: The Indian Navy promptly responded to the distress call and deployed a comprehensive fleet, including warships, maritime patrol aircraft, helicopters, P-8I and long-range aircraft, and Predator MQ9B drones to address the situation involving MV Lila Norfolk.
2. Elite Marine Commandos’ Operation: The Navy’s marine commandos intercepted the vessel, boarded it, and successfully evacuated all 21 crew members from the citadel where they had taken refuge. The operation showcased the precision and effectiveness of the Navy’s elite forces.
3. No Hijackers Found: Contrary to the initial report of armed men attempting to hijack the vessel, the marine commandos found no pirates on board during the operation. The hijackers seemingly abandoned the ship in response to a forceful warning issued by the Indian Navy.
4. Sanitization Operation: Following the rescue, MARCOS commandos conducted a thorough sanitization of the vessel, confirming the absence of hijackers and ensuring the safety of the crew.
5. Warning by Indian Navy: The attempted hijacking appears to have been thwarted due to a warning issued by the Indian Navy’s maritime patrol aircraft, indicating interception by naval warships. This proactive measure by the Navy played a crucial role in preventing the hijacking.
6. INS Chennai’s Role: The warship INS Chennai was diverted from its anti-piracy operation to intercept MV Lila Norfolk. It played a pivotal role in the interception and support for the marine commandos’ operation. The Navy is also assisting the vessel in restarting its propulsion system.

The successful rescue operation by the Indian Navy’s marine commandos demonstrates the nation’s commitment to maritime security and the safety of its citizens. The quick and effective response to the distress call, coupled with the strategic deployment of naval assets, reflects the Navy’s preparedness to address maritime threats. The absence of hijackers following the sanitization operation affirms the Navy’s decisive role in maintaining peace and security in the Arabian Sea.