Indian Navy Thwarts Pirate Hijacking Attempt of MV Ruen in Anti-Piracy Operation
INS Kolkata, on mission deployment in the Arabian Sea, successfully disrupted the intentions of Somali pirates attempting to hijack ships transiting through the region by intercepting the pirate vessel MV Ruen on March 16, 2024. The merchant vessel had been under the control of Somali pirates since its hijacking in December 2023.
As part of Maritime Security Operations, the Indian Navy has been conducting extensive surveillance in the region, including monitoring traffic in Areas of Interest. Utilizing surveillance information analysis, the Indian Navy tracked the movement of the Pirate Ship Ruen and directed INS Kolkata to intercept it approximately 260 nautical miles East of Somalia. Kolkata intercepted Ruen on the morning of March 15, 2024, and confirmed the presence of armed pirates through a ship-launched drone. In a hostile act, the pirates shot down the drone and fired at the Indian Naval warship. In response, Kolkata disabled the pirate ship’s steering system and navigational aids, compelling it to stop.
INS Kolkata executed precisely measured actions, maintaining proximity to the Pirate Ship while engaging in forceful negotiations. This resulted in the surrender of the pirates and the release of the pirate ship MV Ruen along with its original crew. The Indian Navy’s efforts were bolstered by the deployment of INS Subhadra in the area on March 16, 2024, and by the air-dropping of Marine Commandos (PRAHARS) by C-17 aircraft later the same afternoon. Surveillance of the pirate vessel was also conducted by HALE RPA and P8I maritime reconnaissance aircraft. Ultimately, all 35 Somali pirates surrendered by March 16, 2024, without any injuries to the 17 original crew members of MV Ruen. The vessel was thoroughly inspected for illegal arms, ammunition, and contraband.
The seaworthiness of MV Ruen will be assessed on the morning of March 17, 2024, and the vessel, carrying approximately 37,800 tons of cargo estimated at around one million dollars, will be safely escorted to India.
This successful conclusion of the Anti-Piracy operation involving the pirate ship Ruen in the Southern Indian Ocean reaffirms the Indian Navy's commitment to reinforcing peace and stability while combating piracy in the region. The Indian Navy remains resolute in its role as the ‘First Responder’ in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).