The High Commission in Nairobi said it had raised concerns over the Indian crew members on board MT Sibu and MV Lutuf with Somali authorities.
Published: August 21, 2026, 9:27 PM IST
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The Indian High Commission said it has raised the issue with Somali authorities concerning Indian crew members on both the shipsRepresentational Image
The Indian High Commission in Nairobi is monitoring the situation concerning 22 Indian seafarers who were reportedly onboard two commercial ships hijacked in separate incidentsIt has also taken up the issue with authorities in Somalia, the mission said on Friday.
The Indian High Commission said it has raised the issue with Somali authorities concerning Indian crew members on board MT Sibu and MV LutufThe two vessels are flagged in Eritrea and Cameroon, respectively.
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6 Indians among 10 crew as pirates hijack cargo ship carrying Turkish weapons off Somalia coast
“We have taken up the matter of Indian seafarers on board vessels MT Sibu (Eritrea flagged) and MV Lutuf (Cameroon-flagged) with the concerned authorities in SomaliaIt is understood that there are reportedly 16 Indian seafarers onboard MT Sibu and 6 Indian seafarers onboard MV LutufAll Indian seafarers are reportedly safeWe attach the highest importance to the safety and welfare of the Indian seafaring community,” the High Commission said.
We have taken up the matter of Indian seafarers onboard vessels MT Sibu (Eritrea flagged) and MV Lutuf (Cameroon flagged) with the concerned authorities in SomaliaIt is understood that there are reportedly 16 Indian seafarers onboard MT Sibu and 6 Indian seafarers onboard MV…
— India in Kenya (@IndiainKenya) August 21, 2026
22 seafarers kidnapped
The MEA’s response comes after the Forward Seamen’s Union of India (FSUI) released footage documenting an attack by Iranian naval forces on a commercial vessel in the Strait of Hormuz, using the incident to demand direct naval escort and physical protection for mariners navigating high-risk conflict zones.
The footage, captured on April 22, 2026, depicts a Panama-flagged vessel carrying 22 crew members, 21 of whom are Indian nationals, being surrounded by small armed craftThrough the video, FSUI claimed that the small boats encircling the merchant vessel belonged to the IRGC, that a Rocket-Propelled Grenade (RPG) was used, and that crew members took shelter in interior corridors to survive the assault.
This comes amid heightened security risks for commercial shipping in the Persian Gulf and the Horn of Africa, with Indian authorities actively engaging diplomatic and maritime channels to safeguard citizen safety.
