Elite Indian Navy Commando Team Secures Bulker Tanker from Pirates

In the early hours of January 5th, an elite team of Elite Indian Navy commandos successfully boarded the hijacked vessel, “LILA NORFOLK,” securing it and prompting the pirates to flee, ensuring the safety of the crew.

On January 4th, the “LILA NORFOLK” issued a distress signal to the UK Maritime Trade Organizations (UK MTO), reporting the boarding of their vessel by around five or six armed individuals. The incident occurred 460 nautical miles east of Eyl, Somalia.

The LILA NORFOLK, a 170,000 dwt liberian registered bulker, was sailing from Brazil and was headed to Bahrain. The crew comprised of 21 individuals 15 of which were Indian Nationals. AIS signal from the ship showed the ship stopping amidst its course and then deviating towards Somalia. It was still unclear at the moment if the pirates had breached the citadel.

Responding swiftly, the Indian Navy dispatched its destroyer, “Chennai.” An Indian Navy patrol aircraft was able to establish contact with the “LILA NORFOLK” on January 5th, confirming the crew’s safety. Subsequently, a helicopter was deployed by the destroyer, issuing an ultimatum to the pirates.

An Elite Commando team boarded LILA NORFOLK, and the Indian Navy highlighted the challenge of thoroughly searching the vast ship for intruders due to its size. Later, the UK MTO issued an alert confirming no intruders were found, declaring the ship safe.

This incident marks the second hijacking attempt in the region off Somalia recently. Approximately a month ago, in mid-December, pirates seized the Navibulgar vessel “MV Ruen,” which remains held off the Somali coast. Notably, this was the first successful ship seizure by pirates since 2017. The Indian Navy was able to intercept this vessel, and negotiate the rescue one crewmember who was injured when the pirates were taking the vessel. The rescued individual is currently receiving medical care in an Indian Hospital.