The Indian Navy has launched swift action after a Liberian-flagged cargo ship with 15 Indian crew members on board was hijacked by armed assailants off the coast of Somalia. Naval assets have been mobilised to track the vessel and ensure the crews safety. Information received on hijack attemptThe navy said it received information on Thursday evening that five to six armed men had boarded the MV Lila Norfolk bulk carrier in the Arabian Sea near Somalia as part of a hijacking bid. The ship had sent a message about the illegal boarding on the UKMTO maritime security portal.Warship, aircraft deployed Crew confirmed safeResponding with urgency, the Indian Navy diverted its INS Chennai warship which was already on maritime security duties to rush and help track the hijacked ship. Naval aircraft were also launched keeping air surveillance over the bulk carrier.The Indian crew are safe in a strong room on board, a naval official said Friday after establishing contact with the vessel. While aerial monitoring continues, INS Chennai is also closing in to provide assistance, the navy said.Situation being closely trackedWith 15 Indian lives at stake, the Indian Navy said it is keeping close coordination with other agencies in the region to keep tabs on the fast-evolving situation on the hijacked Liberian ship off Somalia. Further updates are awaited amid the tense standoff in the Arabian Sea.
