NEW DELHI, Jan. 5 (Xinhua) -- Indian Navy Friday said it was closely monitoring the situation with other agencies surrounding a hijacking of a Liberia-flagged bulk carrier in the Arabian Sea.

The Indian Navy said it launched a maritime patrol aircraft (MPA), besides diverting INS Chennai warship for maritime security operations to assist the vessel.

"Indian Navy's Mission Deployed platforms responded swiftly to a maritime incident in the Arabian Sea involving a hijacking attempt onboard Liberia Flagged bulk carrier. The vessel had sent a message on UKMTO portal indicating boarding by approximately five to six unknown armed personnel in the evening on Jan. 4," India's defense ministry said.

Reports said the hijacked ship had 15 Indians on board.

The Indian Navy has established communication with the crew of the hijacked ship.

"The aircraft overflew the vessel on the early morning of Jan. 5 and established contact with the vessel, ascertaining the safety of the crew," the defense ministry said. "Naval aircraft continues to monitor movement and INS Chennai is closing the vessel to render assistance."

The defense ministry further stated that Indian Navy remains committed to ensuring safety of merchant shipping in the region along with international partners and friendly foreign countries.

Last month Indian Navy also responded to a similar hijacking incident in the Arabian Sea after six unknown personnel took over a Malta-flagged vessel M V Ruen. Enditem

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