In a daring operation, the Indian Navy intercepted the hijacked cargo ship Ruen, taking swift action against Somali pirates who had seized control of the vessel. A spokesperson for the navy confirmed the incident on Saturday, highlighting the tense confrontation that unfolded in international waters.
The Maltese-flagged bulk cargo vessel, Ruen, fell victim to piracy on December 14, marking a resurgence in the activities of Somali pirates in the region. The situation escalated when the pirates aboard the vessel opened fire on an Indian navy warship on Friday, escalating tensions in the area.
The navy’s intervention came after a series of incidents involving Somali pirates, including the hijacking of a Bangladesh-flagged cargo ship earlier this week off the coast of Somalia, as reported by the European Union naval force on Thursday. This resurgence in piracy activity is a concerning development, particularly since the successful hijacking of merchant ships by Somali pirates had waned since 2017 until the Ruen incident.
“The Indian Navy had called on the pirates to surrender and release the vessel and any civilians they may be holding,” stated the navy spokesperson, underlining the priority to ensure the safety of the crew and secure the vessel. The interception of the Ruen underscores India’s commitment to combating piracy and maintaining maritime security in the region.
Indian officials have been vigilant in monitoring piracy activities, with at least 17 incidents of hijacking, attempted hijacking, or suspicious approaches recorded by the Indian navy since December. Recognizing the gravity of the situation, India deployed a fleet of warships east of the Red Sea in January to bolster security measures against pirate attacks.
The interception of the Ruen marks a significant victory in the fight against piracy, demonstrating the Indian Navy’s resolve to safeguard maritime trade routes and protect vessels from pirate threats. As investigations continue into the incident and the fate of the captured vessel and crew, the Indian Navy remains vigilant in its efforts to counter piracy and ensure maritime stability in the region.