Six Filipino and 15 Indian seafarers are safe after the Indian Navy foiled an attempt to hijack their vessel in the North Arabian Sea.
Indian Ambassador to the Philippines Shambhu Kumaran said Saturday night, Jan. 6, that the Indian Navy’s “decisive thwarting” of the hijack attempt was a “stellar demonstration” of its efforts to ensure the security of the seafarers and of the ocean.
“Happy to learn Indian and several Philippines crew members of the vessel are all safe,” Kumaran said in a post on X (formerly Twitter).
On Friday, Jan. 5, MV Lila Norfolk was traversing the sea when suspected pirates attempted to take over the ship.
According to the Indian Navy, the presence of its INS Chennai in the vicinity and its “forceful warning” against the hijackers led them to abandon the ship.
“INS Chennai is in the vicinity of MV and rendering support to restore the power generation & propulsion, and commence her voyage to next port of call,” the navy said.