New Delhi: Indian Navy Thwarts Hijack Attempt in Arabian Sea, Deploys INS Chennai for Rapid Response

NEW DELHI: The Indian Navy acted quickly and decisively in response to a distress call reporting an attempted hijack of a Liberian-flagged ship in the Arabian Sea. They successfully prevented what could have been a crisis by deploying INS Chennai, their powerful destroyer, which is now headed towards the location of the incident. Additionally, they used a maritime patrol aircraft for reconnaissance purposes to ensure that all crewmembers aboard were safe and secure before taking further action.

The situation arose when an afflicted ship sent out a distress signal on the UKMTO portal, notifying authorities of approximately five to six armed individuals boarding. Quick action was taken by Navy aerial units who flew over the vessel at dawn and closely observed while keeping communication lines open. Now, INS Chennai is approaching the location for additional aid as needed.

The occurrence of another hijacking attempt in the area highlights the necessity to increase security measures on waterways. Merely a month ago, Somali pirates seized a tanker named m.v. Ruen with Maltese registration about 700 miles away from India's coastline and has not yet been released, showcasing how dangers for seafarers are ever-changing.

To address these concerning occurrences, the Indian Navy has substantially strengthened its maritime monitoring measures in both the Central and North Arabian Sea. Task Groups that include destroyers and frigates have been placed strategically to carry out operations for safeguarding shipping routes while also promptly aiding merchant vessels during any unforeseen circumstances. The employment of long-range maritime patrol aircrafts and Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) has increased aerial surveillance activities to ensure a thorough understanding of all marine territories.

Moreover, the security scenario has become more intricate due to recent assaults by Houthi rebels on commercial ships in Yemen. Notably, attacks carried out on Indian-crewed vessels like m.v. Chem Pluto and m.v Sai Baba illustrate the urgency of adopting a sturdy and proactive strategy for protecting maritime assets.

In close cooperation with various agencies and multinational forces in the area, the Indian Navy diligently oversees the situation. Despite ongoing maritime threats, India is resolute in safeguarding its waters and ensuring that seafarers are secure whilst navigating these crucial shipping routes.

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