The Indian Navy’s highly trained Marine Commandos recently undertook a daring operation in Arabian Sea, demonstrating its commitment to ensuring the safety of Indian citizen in high seas and merchant shipping.
The Hijacking Incident
On January 5, 2024, the Indian Navy responded to second hijacking attempt on board the Liberian-flagged bulk carrier MV Lila Norfolk with 21 crew members including 15 Indian citizens in the North Arabian Sea after Malta-flagged cargo vessel MV Ruen, with 18 crew members on board. In respond to the crisis, the Indian navy swiftly deployed its naval maritime patrol aircraft to track the movement of hijacked vessel.
The Rescue Operation
The Indian Navy diverted its warship from Gulf of Aden to intercept the hijacked vessels. The naval warship successfully intercepted the MV Ruen and MV Lila Norfolk in early hours. The bold action unfolded in response to the hijacking incidents. The synchronized efforts of the warship and aircraft played a crucial role in addressing these high-stake situations, showcasing the Indian Navy’s commitment to maritime security and response capabilities.
The successful Aftermath
The Indian Navy’s swift and effective response resulted in successful evacuation of all crew members from both the hijacked vessels. The Indian Navy shared videos showing how the elite MARCOs commandos secured the ships. The crew members of the hijacked vessels expressed their gratitude to the Indian navy for their rescue.
Conclusion
These daring operations by the Indian navy underscore its commitment to ensuring the safety of the Indian citizens and merchant shipping. The Indian Navy’s swift response to the hijacking incidents in the Arabian sea is a testament to its readiness and capability to handle maritime crises. The Indian navy has also issued an alert about six incidents of hijacking of dhows by an unknown number of perpetrators off Somalia in the last two months, further emphasizing its proactive approach to maritime security.