Indian Cargo Ship Hijacked Off Somalia Coast, 15 Crew Members on Board

Mumbai, India: An Indian cargo ship, MV LILA NORFOLK, has been hijacked by unknown assailants near the coast of Somalia, raising concerns for the safety of the 15 Indian crew members on board. The Indian Navy has swiftly responded to the situation, dispatching a warship, INS Chennai, to the area and maintaining close surveillance of the vessel.

According to military officials, communication has been established with the crew, though details regarding the hijackers and their demands remain unclear. The incident occurred late Thursday evening, prompting immediate action from the Indian authorities. Indian Navy aircraft have been continuously monitoring the ship's movement since receiving the news.

INS Chennai, a guided-missile destroyer known for its combat capabilities, is expected to reach the hijacked vessel soon. Its presence in the area aims to ensure the safety of the Indian crew and potentially de-escalate the situation.

The hijacking raises concerns about the continued threat of piracy in the Horn of Africa region, despite international efforts to curb such activities. This incident underscores the importance of vigilance and robust response mechanisms for ensuring the safety of seafarers operating in high-risk areas.

Further updates on the situation and the Indian Navy's response are expected in the coming hours.

Key Points:

• Indian cargo ship MV LILA NORFOLK hijacked off Somalia coast.
• 15 Indian crew members on board.
• Communication established with the crew.
• Indian Navy warship INS Chennai dispatched to the area.
• Indian Navy aircraft maintaining close surveillance.
• Motive of the hijackers and their demands remain unknown.
• Incident highlights the ongoing threat of piracy in the region.