Indian Navy’s elite marine commandos on Friday rescued 21 crew members including 15 Indians from a bulk carrier in the North Arabian Sea and sanitised it in a swift operation while responding to attempted hijacking of the Liberian-flagged vessel by around five-six armed personnel.

The Navy deployed a warship, maritime patrol aircraft, helicopters and P-8I and long-range aircraft and Predator MQ9B drones following the incident involving MV Lila Norfolk. “All 21 crew including 15 Indians on board the vessel were safely evacuated from the citadel,” Indian Navy’s spokesperson Commander Vivek Madhwal said.