Indian Navy Rescue Operation: 21 crew member safely rescued from a hijacked vessel known as MV Lila Norfolk.


MV Lila Norfolk Hijacked: A hijacked cargo ship MV Lila Norfolk which had 21 crew member out of which 15 are Indian. The ship was hijacked near the coast Somalia on Jan 4.

Operation Sanitizations and No pirates found:

India Navy (MARCOS) on Friday prevented hijacking attempt on Liberia flagged vessel in North Arabia Sea and protected 21 members. Indian Navy marine commandoes were carrying “Sanitization “operation and intercepted MV Lila Norfolk.



Crew members were locked in citadel – that is a particular area in ship where the staff and crew seek protection in the event of hijacking. All the crew members are safe and sound – Indian commandos revealed there were no pirates on board.

The operation carried out by Marcos confirmed the absence of hijackers. Comprehensive set of resources were deployed including warship, maritime patrol aircraft, p-81 Predator MQ9B drones. They led safe evacuation of crew members and averted a potential hijacking situation.     

 Role of INS Chennai:

INS Chennai (D65) is the third and last ship of the Kolkata-class stealth guided missile destroyers of the Indian Navy. Commandos revealed INS Chennai is around MV Lila Norfolk and providing its support to restore power generation and beside giving assistance for her next voyage.

The Navy diverted frontline warship INS Chennai from anti-piracy patrol and intercepted   the hijacked vessel. Now the vessel in under constant surveillance using Maritime patrol aircraft P81 and predator MQ9B drones.

Message on MV Lila Norfolk:

MV Lila Norfolk sent a message on U.K Maritime Trade Operation (UKMTO) portal indicating that vessel was boarded on Thursday evening by five to six unknown armed personnel. 

Other concerns:

This hijacking incident increasing the concern over Houthi militant stepping up attack on merchant vessels in red sea surrounding Israel- Hamas conflict.