Indian Navy commandos have rescued all 21 sailors, including 15 Indians, aboard the hijacked cargo ship ‘MV Lila Norfolk’ off the coast of Somalia.
Officials said they are currently safe and sound. Indian Navy spokesperson Commander Vivek Madhwal said that 21 crew including 15 Indians on the ship have been evacuated safely.
The navy deployed a warship, maritime patrol aircraft, helicopters and P-81 and long-range aircraft and Predator MQ9B drones, a report said on Friday (January 5) night. However, the country’s navy confirmed in a statement that the commandos participating in the operation did not find the hijackers on the ship. Military officials said that the entire rescue operation was monitored from the Navy headquarters on this day
Steve Kunzer, chief executive of the ship’s Dubai-based owner Lila Global, thanked the Indian Navy for rescuing the sailors. In a statement, he said, ‘We would like to thank the professionalism of our crew who responded responsibly to bring the sailors to safety in difficult situations.
The UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) first reported the hijacking of the ship with Indian sailors. Later, Indian Navy’s warship INS Chennai proceeded towards it. Earlier, the cargo ship posted a message on the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations portal saying five to six unidentified armed men had taken control of the ship.
