In a remarkable display of swift action, the Bharat Navy successfully rescued 21 crew members, including 15 Bharatiyas, from the hijacked Liberian-flagged vessel MV Lila Norfolk on January 6, 2024. The incident occurred in the North Arabian Sea when armed pirates attempted to hijack the ship.
The crew, who were trapped for 24 hours, expressed their gratitude to the Bharat Navy in a video posted by the Navy. The rescued individuals were seen chanting “Bharat Mata ki Jai” and praising the Navy for their prompt response. One crew member shared, “We got relief after the Bharat Navy came to rescue us,” while another expressed pride in the Bharat Navy’s actions.
The marine commandos of the Bharat Navy, known as MARCOs, conducted a swift operation, boarding the vessel and evacuating all crew members from the citadel. The military officials confirmed the absence of hijackers after thorough sanitization by MARCOs.
The pirates had reportedly fired at the ship during the hijack attempt, prompting the crew to hide in the citadel. The Bharat Navy’s warship INS Chennai, diverted from its Anti-Piracy patrol, intercepted the MV at 3:15 pm on Friday, deterring the hijacking attempt.
In response to the incident, Bharat Navy Chief Admiral R Hari Kumar issued directives for the “strictest possible action” against pirates operating in the Arabian Sea. The rescued crew informed authorities that the pirates had abandoned their hijack attempt due to the forceful warning by the Bharat Navy.
Furthermore, INS Chennai is currently providing support to restore the power generation and propulsion of MV Lila Norfolk, ensuring its safe voyage to the next port of call. The elite Marine Commandos continue their sanitization operations on different parts of the vessel.
This successful operation showcases the Bharat Navy’s commitment to maritime security and its ability to respond promptly to threats in the region. The Chief Admiral’s directive underscores the determination to tackle piracy in the Arabian Sea and protect maritime trade routes.
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