India Engages Somalian Authorities Over Hijacking of Two Vessels With 22 Indian Sailors

NEW DELHI: India has formally raised the issue of the hijacking of two commercial vessels with Somalian authorities, following incidents involving vessels carrying a total of 22 Indian sailors.

According to an update shared by the Indian High Commission in Kenya on social media platform X, the authorities are tracking the status of 16 Indian seafarers aboard the MT Sibu and six Indian seafarers aboard the MV Lutuf.

"All Indian seafarers are reportedly safe. We attach the highest importance to the safety and welfare of the Indian seafaring community," the Indian mission stated.

The mission further noted that the matter has been actively taken up with the concerned authorities in Somalia to ensure the well-being and safe release of the crew members.

The first incident involves the Eritrea-flagged oil products tanker MT Sibu, which was carrying 20 crew members, including 16 Indians. The vessel was hijacked in the Gulf of Aden on August 20, approximately 30 nautical miles off the Yemeni coast.

The second vessel, the Cameroon-flagged M/V Lutuf, was hijacked earlier on August 17 off Somalia's Puntland coast. Official reports indicate that this vessel had 10 crew members onboard, which includes six Indian nationals.

Diplomatic and maritime authorities continue to monitor the situation closely as communications and interventions proceed with the concerned regional entities in Somalia.

"The safety of Indian personnel operating in international waters is paramount for global trade continuity and supply chain stability. This development underscores the critical role of prompt diplomatic engagement and swift international coordination by the government when maritime assets and Indian seafarers face security threats in volatile regions like the Gulf of Aden and the Puntland coast." — Dr. Shishir Gupta, Founder & CEO, StartupLanes