Nairobi, August 21, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
The High Commission of India in Kenya on Friday confirmed that all 22 Indian seafarers aboard two foreign-flagged vessels reportedly hijacked off the coast of Somalia are safe.
The mission said it had taken up the matter with the relevant authorities in Somalia after reports emerged that pirates had seized the Eritrea-flagged MT Sibu and Cameroon-flagged MV Lutuf.
According to the High Commission, 16 Indian seafarers are aboard MT Sibu and six are aboard MV Lutuf. “All Indian seafarers are reportedly safe,” the mission said in a post on X, adding that the safety and welfare of the Indian seafaring community remained a top priority.
MT Sibu 1, an oil products tanker carrying 20 crew members, was reportedly hijacked on Thursday by six armed pirates in the Gulf of Aden, around 30 nautical miles off the coast of Yemen. Its crew includes 16 Indians, one Syrian, one Sudanese and one Iraqi national.
MV Lutuf, carrying 10 sailors, including six Indians, was reportedly seized off Somalia’s Puntland region.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) also said it was in contact with the relevant authorities to ensure the safety and wellbeing of the Indian nationals.
MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said India had received confirmation that all 22 Indians aboard the two vessels were safe. He said the government was closely coordinating with the concerned authorities regarding the situation.
The MEA has maintained that the safety and security of Indian seafarers and vessels are accorded high priority. Indian missions remain in contact with the Ministry of Shipping, maritime authorities and other relevant agencies to provide assistance whenever required.
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