Maritime Security Branch

The Liberian-flagged MV Lila Norfolk was attacked by pirates approximately 450 nautical miles off the coast of Somalia. The Indian Navy dispatched INS Chennai together with a maritime patrol aircraft and drones to monitor the scene. Indian Naval Commandos subsequently boarded the vessel and secured all 21 crew members, including 15 Indian nationals. The vessel was sanitised and the crew was confirmed safe without casualties.

The Marshall Islands-flagged MT Marlin Luanda was struck by a projectile in the Gulf of Aden, causing a major onboard fire due to breach of its naphtha cargo tank. The 22 Indian crew members worked in coordination with the Indian Navy to extinguish the blaze, and the vessel subsequently proceeded to Fujairah for repairs. For their outstanding efforts, the Master and crew received the IMO Bravery Award 2024, and the Indian Navy received the IMO Bravery Citation.

The Maltese-flagged MV Ruen had been hijacked on 14 December 2023 near the Yemeni island of Socotra. The Indian Navy conducted a daring 40-hour operation on 16 March 2024, deploying HALE RPA, P-8I maritime patrol aircraft, and MARCOS special forces, who air-dropped onto the vessel approximately 1,400 nautical miles off the Indian coast. The operation resulted in the rescue of 17 crew members, the surrender of 35 pirates, and the full sanitisation of the vessel for illegal arms and contraband.

The Panama-flagged MV Isa Star experienced a catastrophic onboard explosion in the Red Sea, forcing the Master to issue a MAYDAY distress call. The vessel had 20 crew on board, including 15 Indian nationals. A French Navy ship deployed in the vicinity responded rapidly and conducted aerial evacuation via naval helicopters. All crew were rescued unharmed and transported to Djibouti. The precise cause of the internal explosion in the engine room remains under investigation. The coordinated multinational response prevented a potential mass casualty event.