First video of Indians rescued by Navy from pirates hijacked ship
In a daring and swift operation, the Indian Navy’s elite Marine Commandos, known as MARCOs, successfully rescued all 21 crew members, including 15 Indians, from the hijacked Liberian-flagged vessel MV Lili Norfolk in the North Arabian Sea. The dramatic rescue unfolded after approximately five to six armed pirates attempted to hijack the bulk carrier.
The first visuals of the rescued Indian crew emerged online on Saturday, showing the jubilant members chanting “Bharat Mata ki Jai” and expressing gratitude to the Indian Navy. The operation involved boarding the vessel from the frontline warship INS Chennai.
The rescue mission was triggered when the vessel sent a distress message on the UK Maritime Trade Operations portal, reporting unknown armed personnel on board. The Indian Navy swiftly deployed a warship, maritime patrol aircraft P-8I, helicopters, and MQ9B Predator drones for assistance.
Commander Vivek Madhwal, the Indian Navy spokesperson, reported that INS Chennai intercepted the cargo vessel at 3:15 pm. The MARCOs commandos efficiently “sanitized” the vessel, confirming the absence of hijackers. The crew had taken refuge in a safe room on the ship since the pirates boarded.
#IndianNavy’s Swift Response to the Hijacking Attempt of MV Lila Norfolk in the North Arabian Sea.
All 21 crew (incl #15Indians) onboard safely evacuated from the citadel.Sanitisation by MARCOs has confirmed absence of the hijackers.
The attempt of hijacking by the pirates… https://t.co/OvudB0A8VV pic.twitter.com/616q7avNjg
— SpokespersonNavy (@indiannavy) January 5, 2024
“All 21 crew, including 15 Indians onboard the vessel, were safely evacuated from the citadel,” Madhwal stated. He highlighted that the attempted hijacking was likely abandoned following a forceful warning by the Indian Navy’s maritime patrol aircraft about interception by the naval warship.
The official further informed that INS Chennai remained in the vicinity of MV Lila Norfolk, providing support to restore power generation and propulsion. The vessel is being assisted in commencing its voyage to the next port of call.
The attempted hijacking raised concerns amid growing tensions, especially with Houthi militants intensifying attacks on merchant vessels in the Red Sea amid the Israel-Hamas conflict.
The Navy’s decisive action on Friday prevented a potentially dangerous situation, intercepting the Liberian-flagged ship facing a hijacking attempt near the coast of Somalia. The successful rescue marks another significant achievement for the Indian Navy’s elite MARCOs, showcasing their operational prowess and commitment to maritime security.
The Navy’s sanitization operations confirmed the vessel’s safety, dispelling any doubts about the presence of hijackers. The pirates likely abandoned their plan after a stern warning from the maritime patrol aircraft.
The Indian Navy continues to maintain vigilance, responding promptly to threats in the maritime domain. The successful rescue operation by MARCOs underscores their effectiveness in countering piracy and ensuring the safety of seafarers.
As INS Chennai remains alongside MV Lila Norfolk, extending support for its journey to the next port, the Indian Navy’s commitment to safeguarding maritime interests remains unwavering. The rescued crew’s jubilation and expressions of gratitude serve as a testament to the professionalism and efficiency of the Indian Navy’s elite forces in securing the nation’s maritime frontiers.
#WATCH | First visuals of the rescued Indians, who were a part of the crew, onboard the hijacked vessel MV Lili Norfolk. The jubilant members of the crew chant "Bharat Mata ki Jai" and thank the Indian Navy.
All 21 crew, including 15 Indians, were safely evacuated by the Indian… pic.twitter.com/uoL96VIrEw
— ANI (@ANI) January 6, 2024
