Lila-Norfolk

On Jan 5 all 21 crew members onboard the 'Lila Norfolk' have safely been evacuated from the citadel by the Indian Navy. The INS 'Chennai' was in the vicinity of the vessel and rendering support to restore the power generation and propulsion, and commence her voyage to next port of call. Sanitisation by MARCOs has confirmed absence of the hijackers. The attempt of hijacking by the pirates was probably abandoned with the forceful warning by the Indian navy MPA of interception by Indian naval warship. The overall situation was being closely monitored in coordination with other maritime agencies in the region. Report with photo: https://shippingtelegraph.com/breaking-news/crew-safe-hijacked-bulker-rescued-by-indian-navy-in-arabian-sea-video/?fbclid=IwAR2X6sv7wTAvICqUcPWnMqoSIAQHtAMz0Z4lYwNnQ9X86GTuOkEyfOIZeKQ

The 'Lila Norfolk', en route from Acu to Manamah, with at least 15 Indian crew members on board, was captured on Jan 4, 2024, by five to six armed people who had boarded the ship about 460 nautical miles east of the Somali town of Eyl. The Indian Navy sent the destroyer INS 'Chennai' to the ship. The Navy did not say whether the ship was currently in the hands of hijackers. However, the Navy stated that a patrol flight had ensured that the crew was safe. According to the captain, the crew barricaded themselves in the ship's citadel. The Indian Navy was closely monitoring the situation.