Six Indians Among Crew of Cargo Ship Hijacked Off Somalia Coast

Six Indian nationals were among the 10-member crew of the Cameroon-flagged cargo vessel M/V LUTUF, which was hijacked by armed pirates off Somalia’s Puntland coast earlier this week. The incident has raised fresh concerns over maritime security and the safety of commercial shipping routes in the region.

According to reports citing a Somali official, the vessel was seized on Monday near Marraya in Puntland’s Eyl district and was subsequently taken towards the Nugaal coast. The crew comprised six Indians, one Turkish national, one Georgian national and two Serbian security personnel.

The vessel was reportedly carrying communications and satellite equipment along with a consignment intended for a Turkish military training facility in Mogadishu. Eight armed individuals were said to have taken control of the ship. However, details regarding the exact circumstances of the hijacking and the present condition of the crew have not been independently verified.

Maritime security agencies have been closely monitoring the situation. Turkish-owned vessels reportedly approached the hijacked ship, while Turkish helicopters and drones were involved in surveillance operations. Reports also indicated that an airstrike later killed four individuals and injured two others, although the identity of those targeted and their connection with the hijacking could not immediately be independently established.

The incident highlights continuing challenges to maritime security in waters around Somalia. International maritime authorities continue to monitor piracy and armed attacks on commercial vessels and maintain reporting mechanisms for such incidents.

For India, the presence of six nationals among the crew makes the safety and welfare of the sailors a significant concern. The incident underscores the importance of coordinated maritime security measures, timely information-sharing and diplomatic engagement to protect Indian seafarers and safeguard international shipping routes.

As of the latest available reports, the status of the vessel and its crew remained unclear, and further official information is awaited.