• Source:ANI
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Indian Navy is closely monitoring the Liberian-flagged MV LILA NORFOLK ship that was hijacked near Somalia's coast last evening with 15 Indian crew members on board, military officials said on Friday. The Navy also deployed an aircraft to keep a vigilant watch on the hijacked ship's movements, the officials said. 

"Indian Navy is closely monitoring a hijacked ship 'MV LILA NORFOLK' ship about which information was received last evening. There are 15 Indian crew on board the Liberian-flagged vessel which was hijacked near Somalia's coast. Indian Navy aircraft have been keeping a watch on the plane and communication has been established with the crew," Military officials said as quoted by news agency ANI.

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Indian Navy warship INS Chennai moved towards the hijacked vessel to tackle the hijack situation, news agency ANI reported citing the officials. "Naval aircraft continues to monitor movement and INS Chennai is closing the vessel to render assistance. The overall situation is being closely monitored, in coordination with other agencies/ MNF in the area," the Indian Navy said as quoted by ANI. 

Indian Navy's mission-deployed platforms responded swiftly to a maritime incident in the Arabian Sea involving a hijacking attempt onboard a Liberia-flagged bulk carrier. "The vessel had sent a message on the UKMTO portal indicating boarding by approx five to six unknown armed personnel in the evening on January 4, 24," the Navy said.

"Responding swiftly to the developing situation, the Indian Navy launched an MPA and diverted INS Chennai deployed for Maritime Security Operations to assist the vessel. The aircraft overflew the vessel on the early morning of 05 Jan 24 and established contact with the vessel, ascertaining the Safety of the crew," they added. 

(With Inputs From ANI)