VIDEO: Crew Members Of MV Lila Norfolk Rescued By Indian Navy MARCOS Raise 'Bharat Mata Ki Jai' Chants

Indian Navy Rescue Op: The Indian Navy on Saturday released the first visual of the 21 crew members, including 15 Indian nationals, rescued by it from Liberian-flagged MV Lila Norfolk after a hijacking incident onboard the cargo vessel off the coast of Somalia. The crew members were evacuated safely from MV Lila Norfolk on Friday after the Indian Navy's Marine Commandos (MARCOS) boarded the distressed ship and carried out a thorough sanitisation operation onboard, as per the Navy.

#WATCH | First visuals of the rescued Indians, who were a part of the crew, onboard the hijacked vessel MV Lili Norfolk. The jubilant members of the crew chant "Bharat Mata ki Jai" and thank the Indian Navy.

All 21 crew, including 15 Indians, were safely evacuated by the Indian… pic.twitter.com/uoL96VIrEw

— ANI (@ANI) January 6, 2024

The rescued crew members raised the chants of "Bharat Mata Ki Jai" in the video released by the Navy. "We were held hostage for 24 hours. The Indian Navy's arrival gave us a sigh of relief," one of the rescued Indian crew members said in the video. The Indian Navy rushed its INS Chennai guided missile destroyer to the scene of the action, the Navy had informed. The maritime force also deployed aerial assets to conduct continuous reconaissance of the ship, the Indian Navy had said. 

Indian Navy statement - Indian Navy swiftly responded to the hijacking incident onboard Liberian flagged Bulk Carrier MV Lila Norfolk deploying considerable strength of assets (both ships and aircraft) and an aggressive intent to counter-attack by pirates. INS Chennai… pic.twitter.com/hCXL9iMru5

— ANI (@ANI) January 6, 2024

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In a recent statement released by the Indian Navy, it said, "...the Indian Navy Marine Commandos boarded MV Lila Norfolk and undertook thorough sanitisation of the upper decks, machinery compartments and living spaces. The team did not find any pirates onboard. Forceful warnings by the Indian Naval aircraft to the vessel and likely interception by IN warship, probably compelled the pirates to escape during the night hours."

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"All 21 crew of MV Lila Norfolk have been rescued and are safe. Indian Naval forces are investigating the suspected vessels in the area. Presently, the crew of MV is engaged in restoring propulsion, power supply and steering gear. Thereafter, MV Lila Norfolk will recommence her passage to her destination under escort' of the Indian Naval Warship," the statement added.

(With inputs from ANI)