NEW DELHI: Indian Navy said on Friday that it had launched a mission to thwart a hijacking attempt on a Liberia-flagged bulk carrier in the Arabian Sea. According to an official statement, the vessel, identified as M/V Central Park, had sent a distress call on Jan. 2, 2024, indicating that it was boarded by five to six armed attackers.
The navy dispatched a maritime patrol aircraft and diverted the warship INS Chennai to assist the vessel. The aircraft established contact with the ship and confirmed the safety of the 22 crew members, who had barricaded themselves in a secure citadel. The warship pursued the attackers, who had fled in a skiff, and captured them for questioning.
The navy said it was closely monitoring the situation and remained committed to ensuring the safety of merchant shipping in the region. It also said that two missiles were fired from Houthi-controlled areas in Yemen toward the ship and the warship, but they landed in the water without causing any damage.
Bharat Bhushan Babu, the spokesman for the Indian Defense Ministry, praised the navy for its swift response and said that India would take “strict action” against those behind the attack6. India has recently deployed warships in the Red Sea and the Arabian Sea as a deterrent against attacks on ships by Houthi rebels and pirates.
