22 Indian Citizens Safe After Two Foreign-Flagged Vessels Hijacked by Somali Pirates
New Delhi– India’s Ministry of External Affairs said Friday that 22 Indian citizens aboard two foreign-flagged vessels reportedly hijacked by pirates near Somalia are safe, as international authorities monitor the incidents.
The Eritrea-flagged oil products tanker MT Sibu 1 was reportedly seized Thursday by six armed pirates in the Gulf of Aden, about 30 nautical miles off the coast of Yemen. The vessel was carrying 20 crew members, including 16 Indian nationals, as well as citizens of Syria, Sudan and Iraq.
A second vessel, MV Lutuf, was seized off the coast of Somalia’s Puntland region. Six of its 10 crew members are Indian nationals.
“These are two ships flagged abroad, meaning they are flying the flag of another country. There are 22 Indian citizens on board — 16 on one ship and six on the other. What we have learnt so far is that all 22 of our citizens on board are safe,” MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said during a media briefing in New Delhi.
Jaiswal said Indian officials are in contact with the relevant authorities to ensure the safety and well-being of the crew members.
The MEA said India places a high priority on the safety of its seafarers and vessels. Indian diplomatic missions remain in contact with the Ministry of Shipping, maritime authorities and other agencies to provide assistance when required.
The European Union Naval Force Operation Atalanta, which conducts anti-piracy operations in the region, said Friday that it had launched an investigation into the hijacking of MT Sibu 1 and was monitoring the tanker.
According to the naval force, the vessel initially issued a distress call over VHF Channel 16 while sailing westward, reporting that an unauthorized vessel was approaching.
Six armed individuals reportedly boarded the tanker, took control of it and redirected the vessel toward Somalia.
“Vessels operating in the area are advised to maintain heightened vigilance, adhere to Best Management Practices for Maritime Security, and immediately report any suspicious activity or relevant information to the Maritime Security Centre Indian Ocean and United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations,” the EU force said.
Piracy in the Gulf of Aden and Indian Ocean has long posed a threat to major international shipping routes. Attacks have increased insurance costs, forced some vessels to take longer routes around southern Africa and prompted international naval forces to deploy warships to the region.
Somali piracy has traditionally operated as a hijacking-for-ransom business, with pirate groups relying on land-based networks to supply captured vessels and armed guards while ransom negotiations are underway. (Source: IANS)
