Bulk carrier secured after hijack attempt off Somalia – Splash247

India’s navy mentioned its commandos have secured a bulk provider after its tried hijack within the Arabian Sea.

The Liberian-flagged capesize
Lila Norfolk was boarded on January 4 by six armed folks whereas underway in waters some 460 nautical miles off Somalia.

The warship INS Chennai and a naval plane have been deployed to help the 170,000 dwt vessel and managed to ascertain contact with it on Friday morning.

The navy mentioned Friday that 21 crew members, together with 15 Indians, have been rescued and that it had not discovered any pirates on board after they intercepted the vessel.

“The try of hijacking by the pirates was in all probability deserted with the forceful warning by the Indian Navy, marine patrol plane, of interception by an Indian Naval warship,” the Indian Navy mentioned in an announcement.

The vessel, owned by the Dubai-based Lila International was destined for Khalifa bin Salman in Bahrain.

“We need to thank the businesses that assisted of their rescue particularly the Indian Navy, Capt Rohit Bajpai, director IFC-IOR and the officers of DG Delivery. We additionally need to thank the professionalism of our crew who reacted safely and responsibly below the circumstances. We’ll present extra updates as extra info turns into obtainable to us,” mentioned Steve Kunzer CEO of Lila International.

Piracy was rampant off Somalia for 4 years from 2008 however then it went dormant for about 5 years. Just lately, Somali pirates have been hijacking a number of vessels reminiscent of dhows after which focusing on service provider ships passing by with a view to then demanding ransoms for kidnapped crews.