The Indian Navy is closely monitoring the situation around a hijacked merchant ship off the coast of Somalia and has dispatched INS Chennai to deal with the issue, an official statement said.
"The vessel had sent a message on the UKMTO (United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations) portal indicating boarding by about five to six unknown armed persons on the evening of 4 January 2024," the Indian Navy reported.
They said the Indian Navy warship INS Chennai was moving towards the hijacked ship to deal with the situation.
"Naval aircraft continue to monitor the movement and INS Chennai is closing the vessel to provide assistance. The overall situation is being closely monitored in coordination with other agencies/MNF in the area," they added.
According to media reports, the Liberian-flagged vessel, MV Lila Norfolk, may have 15 Indian crew members on board.
Details of the hijacking of the ship are not known at this time, they added.