India Raises Hijacking of Two Ships Carrying 22 Sailors off Yemen and Somalia

Twenty-two Indian sailors are among the crew of two commercial vessels hijacked by armed gunmen in the Gulf of Aden and nearby waters. The ships are the MT Cebu, carrying 16 Indians, and the MV Luth, carrying six Indians.

India has raised the matter with Somali authorities and is in contact with Yemeni counterparts. The Ministry of External Affairs said efforts are under way to secure the safety of those on board.

The incidents form part of a broader pattern of maritime insecurity off the Horn of Africa and in the Red Sea approaches. The vessels were foreign-flagged and were seized in separate attacks.

New Delhi is coordinating with international partners and the shipping companies involved. No further details on the identity of the hijackers or their demands have been released publicly.

The safety of Indian seafarers remains a standing priority given the large number of Indian nationals who serve on international commercial fleets.