In a decisive maritime security operation, the Indian Navy has intercepted a cargo ship hijacked by Somali pirates, culminating in the capture of 35 pirates who are now set to face trial in India. The operation, which involved a combination of drones, navy vessels, and marine commandos, showcased the Navy’s commitment to maintaining safety and order in international waters.
The MV Ruen, a Maltese-flagged bulk cargo vessel hijacked in December, was being used by the pirates as a base to target other ships passing through the region. The Indian Navy’s vigilant surveillance and monitoring efforts led to the identification and interception of the pirate-controlled vessel.
After 40 hours of sustained pressure and strategic maneuvers, the Navy successfully compelled all 35 Somali pirates to surrender on Saturday evening. Additionally, the 17 crew members aboard MV Ruen were safely evacuated without sustaining any injuries.
The Navy also conducted a thorough search of the vessel, ensuring it was free of illegal arms, ammunition, and contraband. The seaworthiness of MV Ruen, carrying a significant cargo valued at over one million dollars, will be evaluated before it is escorted back to India.
The interception was executed by the INS Kolkata, which, after confirming the presence of armed pirates via a ship-launched drone, engaged in a standoff that resulted in the pirates shooting down the drone and firing upon the warship. In response, INS Kolkata disabled the ship’s steering system and navigational aids, effectively immobilizing the pirate ship.
Supporting the operation were the patrol vessel INS Subhadra and Marine Commandos (PRAHARS), who were deployed via an Indian Air Force C-17 aircraft. The pirate vessel remained under constant surveillance by High Altitude Long Endurance (HALE) aircraft and P8I maritime reconnaissance aircraft.
This operation marks a significant milestone as it is one of the rare instances where pirates have been apprehended and brought back to India for prosecution. It also continues a series of successful anti-piracy interventions by the Indian Navy, which has seen a resurgence in piracy incidents since December of the previous year.
The Indian Navy has been actively patrolling the Gulf of Aden and the East Coast of Africa since 2008, contributing to the safety of over 3,440 ships and more than 25,000 seafarers. This latest operation reaffirms the Navy’s role as a key player in promoting regional and international maritime security.
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