HIJACKING OF VESSELS BY PIRATES

Seven incidents of hijacking of vessels on high seas by pirates have been reported during the last three years.

Specific Incidents

a. Merchant Vessel – Lila Norfolk (January 04-05, 2024)

• One hijacking incident involving Lila Norfolk.
• 21 crew members onboard, including 15 Indian nationals.

b. Fishing Vessel – IMAN (January 28, 2024)

• Hijacking incident involving IMAN.
• No Indian crew onboard.

c. Fishing Vessel – AI Naeemi (January 29, 2024)

• Hijacking incident involving AI Naeemi.
• No Indian crew onboard.

Indian Navy’s Proactive Engagement

• Indian Navy actively engages with regional and extra-regional navies/maritime forces to promote maritime security.

Antipiracy Patrols

• Since 2008, Indian Navy has deployed units in the Gulf of Aden and the East Coast of Africa for antipiracy patrols.
• 3,440 ships and over 25,000 seafarers have been safely escorted.

Restoring Maritime Security

• Enhanced presence of ships and aerial surveillance in the Central Arabian Sea and Off East Coast of Somalia by Indian Navy.
• Interrogation of fishing vessels/dhows for maintaining maritime security.

Coordination and Information Exchange

• Information exchange with national and international maritime security agencies.
• Effective liaison and coordination with DG (Shipping) for inputs on Indian crew onboard Merchant vessels.

Palk Strait

• Nil piracy incidents reported in Palk Strait.

Statement in Lok Sabha

• The information was provided by Raksha Rajya Mantri Shri Ajay Bhatt in response to Shri A Ganeshamurthi in the Lok Sabha.

Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) with Answers:

1. How many hijacking incidents of vessels on high seas have been reported in the last three years?
   • A) Five
   • B) Six
   • C) Seven
   • D) Eight
   • Answer: C) Seven
2. Which vessel experienced a hijacking incident on January 04-05, 2024, with 15 Indian nationals onboard?
   • A) Fishing Vessel – IMAN
   • B) Fishing Vessel – AI Naeemi
   • C) Merchant Vessel – Lila Norfolk
   • D) None of the above
   • Answer: C) Merchant Vessel – Lila Norfolk
3. How many seafarers have been safely escorted by the Indian Navy during antipiracy patrols since 2008?
   • A) Over 20,000
   • B) Over 25,000
   • C) Over 30,000
   • D) Over 35,000
   • Answer: B) Over 25,000
4. Where has the Indian Navy enhanced its presence for restoring maritime security?
   • A) Bay of Bengal
   • B) South China Sea
   • C) Central Arabian Sea and Off East Coast of Somalia
   • D) Indian Ocean
   • Answer: C) Central Arabian Sea and Off East Coast of Somalia
5. What is the status of piracy incidents in the Palk Strait?
   • A) High
   • B) Moderate
   • C) Low
   • D) Nil
   • Answer: D) Nil