First Video Surfaces of Indians Rescued by Navy’s MARCOs from Hijacked Vessel, Chanting ‘Bharat Mata Ki Jai’

In a triumphant turn of events, visuals of the recently rescued Indian crew from the hijacked Liberian-flagged vessel MV Lili Norfolk surfaced online on Saturday. The jubilant crew members, comprising 15 Indians, were seen chanting “Bharat Mata ki Jai” and expressing gratitude to the Indian Navy in a video released by the Navy. The rescue operation, executed by elite marine commandos MARCOs in the North Arabian Sea on Friday, unfolded swiftly after a group of five to six armed pirates attempted to hijack the cargo ship.

MV Lila Norfolk

The Indian Navy mobilized a comprehensive response, deploying a warship, maritime patrol aircraft P-8I, helicopters, and MQ9B Predator drones, following a distress message from MV Lila Norfolk on the UK Maritime Trade Operations portal. The vessel reported the presence of unknown armed individuals on Thursday evening.

Commander Vivek Madhwal, spokesperson for the Indian Navy, disclosed that frontline warship INS Chennai intercepted the cargo vessel at 3:15 pm, initiating the prompt boarding operation by MARCOs commandos who successfully “sanitized” the ship. The crew, including all 21 members, had been taking refuge in a secure room on the vessel since the pirates boarded it the previous evening.

What Vivek Madhwal had to say?

Madhwal highlighted, “All 21 crew, including 15 Indians onboard the vessel, were safely evacuated from the citadel.” The thorough sanitization by MARCOs confirmed the absence of hijackers, indicating that the pirates likely abandoned their hijacking attempt following a forceful warning from the Indian Navy’s maritime patrol aircraft and the imminent interception by the naval warship.

#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

Providing ongoing support, INS Chennai remains in proximity to MV Lila Norfolk, aiding in the restoration of power generation and propulsion on the vessel. The warship is also assisting the cargo ship in resuming its voyage to the next port of call.

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This successful rescue operation showcases the swift and effective response of the Indian Navy in safeguarding the lives of the crew members and thwarting the hijacking attempt in the North Arabian Sea.