Six Indians Among 10 Crew on Cargo Ship Hijacked Off Somalia, Turkish Weapons on Board

A cargo ship carrying 10 crew members, including six Indian nationals, was reportedly hijacked by pirates off the coast of Somalia, according to a Somali official.

The Cameroon-flagged M/V LUTUF was seized earlier this week near Puntland and was subsequently taken toward Somalia's coastline. The vessel was reportedly carrying Turkish-made weapons, communications equipment and satellite technology intended for a military training facility in Mogadishu.

What Happened to the Cargo Ship?

According to the account provided by a Somali official to the Associated Press, the vessel was seized approximately 3.5 nautical miles off Marraya in Puntland's Eyl district.

The 10-member crew reportedly consisted of:

• 🇮🇳 Six Indians
• 🇹🇷 One Turkish national
• 🇬🇪 One Georgian national
• Two Serbian security personnel

The vessel is reportedly owned by Polar Movement Shipping.

Authorities have yet to provide complete details about the condition of the crew or the status of the ship and its cargo.

Pirates Took Vessel Towards Puntland Coast

Reports indicate that a group of around eight pirates took control of the vessel and moved it toward the Puntland coast.

The group has reportedly been linked to an earlier ship hijacking in the region.

Two Turkish-owned vessels later approached the hijacked ship, while Turkish helicopters and drones were reportedly used to monitor the area.

Airstrike Adds to Uncertainty

According to the Somali official, a small boat carrying two people approached the vessel and delivered khat, a stimulant commonly chewed in Somalia.

After the boat left the area, an airstrike reportedly took place, killing four people and injuring two others.

However, it remains unclear who carried out the strike or whether those killed were connected to the hijacking.

The status of the LUTUF, its crew and its weapons cargo was also not immediately clear. The Associated Press said it could not independently verify all elements of the account.

Renewed Concerns Over Somali Piracy

The incident has renewed concerns about piracy and maritime security around Somalia and the Gulf of Aden.

In a separate incident, another tanker was reportedly boarded by armed men in the Gulf of Aden after issuing a distress call. The incident has added to concerns about the safety of commercial shipping routes in the region.

Maritime security remains particularly important because the waters around Somalia, the Gulf of Aden and nearby shipping lanes are used by vessels travelling between major international trade routes.

🇮🇳 Six Indians Among Crew

The presence of six Indian nationals aboard the vessel makes the incident particularly significant for India.

India's Ministry of External Affairs had not immediately issued a detailed public response according to the report provided.

Further information about the crew's safety, the hijacked vessel and efforts to secure their release is expected as authorities investigate the incident.