The Indian Navy was able to foil a hijacking attempt on a merchant vessel carrying a mix of Indian and Filipino crew while sailing north of the Arabian Sea, according to Indian Ambassador to the Philippines Shambhu Kumaran over the weekend

In his social media X (formerly Twitter), Kumaran said the Indian Navy intercepted the Liberian-flagged MV Lila Norfolk on Friday. 

Kumaran said 21 seafarers, including 15 Indians and six Filipino sailors, were rescued from pirates in waters 460 nautical miles off Somalia's coast.

"Happy to learn Indian and several Philippines crew members of the vessel are all safe! The decisive thwarting of this attempted hijack is a stellar demonstration of mission deployed Indian Navy efforts to ensure the security of our oceans and seafarers," Kumaran posted. 

The Indian Navy said its elite Marine commandos (MARCOs) boarded MV Lila Norfolk and "undertook thorough sanitization of the upper decks, machinery compartments and living spaces."

Indian Navy's MARCOs confirmed the hijackers were no longer onboard upon intercepting the vessels, it added.

"Indian Navy's Swift Response to the Hijacking Attempt of MV Lila Norfolk in the North Arabian Sea. All 21 crew onboard safely evacuated from the citadel," it said.

"Sanitisation by MARCOs has confirmed the absence of the hijackers. The team did not find any pirates onboard," it added.

The Indian Navy said the pirates' hijacking attempt was thwarted due to the "forceful warnings by Indian Naval aircraft to the vessel and likely Interception by Indian Naval warship, probably compelled the pirates to escape during the night hours."

India's Kolkata-class guided missile destroyer INS Chennai, which was in the vicinity, responded and found the crew at the ship's citadel.

"The INS Chennai is in the vicinity of MV and rendering support to restore the power generation and propulsion, and commence her voyage to next port of call," the Indian Navy noted.

It added that the 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 Indian Naval Warship," it said.