Indian Navy Rescues Injured Crew from Hijacked Ship MV Ruen, Coordinates Successful Operation
In a daring and swift operation, the Indian Navy successfully negotiated with pirates to secure the release of an injured crew member from the hijacked ship MV Ruen, situated 680 nautical miles east of Bosaso, the commercial capital of Somalia's Puntland region. The incident unfolded on December 14 when the Indian Navy received a distress call via the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operation (UKMTO) portal.
| The Indian Navy secured the release of an injured crew member of a Maltese-flagged commercial ship that was hijacked by pirates from the Arabian Sea last week, Navy officials informed on Tuesday |
The injured crew member, who sustained a bullet injury near his shoulder during the piracy incident, was promptly given first-aid treatment on board INS Kochi, an Indian stealth destroyer. Despite his stable condition, the sailor required urgent medical attention beyond the ship's capabilities, leading to his subsequent transfer to a port in Oman for specialized treatment.
Naval Response:
The Indian Navy, equipped with marine commandos on INS Kochi, closely monitored the situation after MV Ruen was hijacked by approximately six pirates. Responding to the Mayday message, the navy swiftly diverted its naval maritime patrol aircraft and anti-piracy warship in the Gulf of Aden to locate and assist the hijacked vessel.
Continuous Surveillance:
The Indian Navy's P-8I maritime patrol aircraft located MV Ruen on December 15, continuously monitoring its movements as it headed towards the coast of Somalia. The navy maintained a vigilant eye on the hijacked ship, ensuring that its response was in sync with the evolving situation.
International Company and Crew Details:
Navigation Maritime Bulgare (Navibulgar), the company managing MV Ruen, expressed concern over the ship's control, believing that the crew was no longer in command. Earlier reports indicated that six pirates had illegally boarded the Maltese-flagged merchant vessel. The diverse crew of MV Ruen hails from Bulgaria, Angola, and Myanmar.
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Territorial Waters and Ongoing Tracking:
The Indian Navy reported that the hijacked ship has entered the territorial waters of Somalia, and they continue to track the unfolding situation closely. Reiterating their commitment to assisting mariners at sea, the navy underscores the importance of maritime security and safety.
