Indian Navy Shares Rescue Video Of Hijacked Ship, Rescued Indians Chant Bharat Mata Ki Jai

Indian Navy on Saturday shared the video of successfull rescue mission of 21 crew members aboard the cargo ship 'MV Lila Norfolk,' which was hijacked near the coast of Somalia on Friday evening. Indian who were onboard can be seen chanting "Bharat Mata Ki Jai" in the rescue video shared by the Indian Navy.

Upon receiving an SOS call from the ship, the Navy swiftly mobilized a warship, maritime patrol aircraft, helicopters, and Predator MQ9B drones. Among the 21 individuals aboard the 84,000-tonne bulk carrier were 15 Indians, all of whom are reported to be unharmed and safe.

During its distress call, the ship reported that a group of "unknown armed personnel," estimated to be around five or six individuals, had boarded the vessel.

Sharing the video of the rescue, Indian Navy on X, formerly Twitter, said: "Indian Navy'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 was probably abandoned with the forceful warning by the #IndianNavy MPA of interception by Indian Naval warship. #INSChennai is in the vicinity of MV and rendering support to restore the power generation & propulsion, and commence her voyage to next port of call."

Expressing gratitude towards Indian Navy, Chief executive of the vessel's Dubai-based owners Lila Global, Steve Kunzer, said thank you Indian Navy for the rescue. "We also want to thank the professionalism of our crew who reacted safely and responsibly under the circumstances," he said in a statement.

Days ago, the MV Chem Pluto, a vessel flying the Liberian flag and carrying 21 Indian crew members, was attacked by a drone near to the western coast of India on December 23rd.