Six Indians Aboard Ship Hijacked Off Somalia
Six Indian nationals are among 10 crew members aboard a Cameroon-flagged cargo ship hijacked by armed pirates off Somalia’s Puntland coast. The vessel, M/V LUTUF, was seized near Marraya in the Eyl district and taken towards the Nugaal coast as maritime authorities monitor the situation.
Six Indians Aboard Hijacked Somalia Cargo Ship
The vessel was reportedly seized by eight armed pirates around 3.5 nautical miles off Marraya.
Its 10-member crew includes six Indians, one Turkish national, one Georgian national and two Serbian security personnel.
The pirates reportedly moved the vessel towards the coast near Garmaal in Puntland’s Dangoroyo district as regional authorities and maritime security agencies tracked its movements.
Hijacked Ship Was Carrying Turkish Weapons
The M/V LUTUF was reportedly transporting Turkish weapons destined for a military training facility in Mogadishu.
Its cargo also included communications and satellite equipment. Turkish-linked vessels, helicopters and drones have reportedly been monitoring developments around the hijacked ship.
An airstrike was later reported near the coast after a small boat approached the vessel, although responsibility for the strike has not been officially confirmed.
Somali Piracy Raises Indian Crew Safety Concerns
The incident comes amid renewed piracy activity off Somalia and across waters near the Gulf of Aden.
In a separate incident, another vessel carrying Indian crew members was reportedly hijacked off Yemen, increasing concerns over the safety of Indian sailors operating along piracy-prone shipping routes.
Maritime security agencies continue to monitor developments as efforts remain focused on securing the crew and vessel.
