On January 5, 2024, the Indian Marine Commandos (MARCOS) demonstrated their operational prowess by rescuing the crew of MV Lila Norfolk, a Liberian-flagged merchant vessel, from an attempted hijack by Somali pirates in the Arabian Sea. The Indian Navy’s Kolkata-class destroyer, INS Chennai, played a crucial role in the operation, establishing overhead surveillance utilizing Maritime Patrol Aircraft, Predator MQ9B & integral helos. MARCOS effectively warned the pirates, leading to their withdrawal, and subsequently boarded the vessel to ensure the safety of the 21 crew members, including 15 Indian nationals.
By 1000 EST, the Indian government released videos depicting the MARCOS boarding the vessel, alongside announcements confirming the successful sanitization of the ship, ensuring no pirates remained onboard.
The incident follows a period of relative calm, with the last reported hijacking in the specific regions occurring in 2017. In response to the recent spate of attacks, the Indian Navy has escalated its surveillance operations in the entirety of the Arabian Sea, including the investigation and boarding of numerous vessels of interest.
#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
