Filipino crew members safe after hijacking attempt in North Arabian Sea

MANILA, Philippines — India Ambassador to the Philippines Shambhu Kumaran said on Saturday that the Indian and Filipino crew of MV Lila Norfolk are safe after a hijacking attempt in the North Arabian Sea.

“Happy to learn Indian and several #Philippines crew members of the vessel are all safe!” Kumaran said in a post on X, formerly Twitter.

The official said that the hijacking attempt was foiled by Indian Navy Forces.

“The decisive thwarting of this attempted hijack is a stellar demonstration of mission deployed @IndianNavy efforts to ensure security of our oceans and seafarers,” he added.

#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

According to the Indian Navy, there were 21 crew members on board, with 15 Indian nationals and 6 Filipino nationals.

The hijacking attempt may have been called off after the perpetrators, whom the Indian Navy has identified as pirates, were warned by the Indian Navy maritime patrol aircraft (MPA).

“All 21 crew (incl #15Indians) onboard safely evacuated from the citadel,” the Indian Navy said in its post on X.

“The attempt of hijacking by the pirates was probably abandoned with the forceful warning by the #IndianNavy MPA of interception by Indian Naval warship,” it added.

RELATED STORIES

DFA sees 2023 as one of its most active years

DFA official disagrees with letting ICC investigators enter PH

Indian Navy task force in South China Sea, West Pacific for 2 months