The Indian Navy is closely monitoring a developing hijack situation involving the cargo carrier MV Ruen, a Maltese vessel in the Arabian Sea. The ship, with 18 crew members onboard, sent a distress call on December 14, reporting the boarding by approximately six unknown individuals. In response, the Indian Navy diverted a Maritime Patrol Aircraft and a warship on Anti-Piracy patrol to assist.
A Navy warship has intercepted the hijacked vessel and is closely monitoring its movement. The Indian Navy, committed to being a first responder in the region, aims to ensure the safety of merchant shipping in collaboration with international partners and friendly foreign countries.
The MV Ruen was en route to Somalia when it was attacked on Thursday. The UK’s Marine Trade Operations reported that the crew lost control of the vessel. This incident marks a significant piracy attack in the region since 2017, following concerted counter-piracy efforts that curtailed such incidents in the Gulf of Aden and Indian Ocean.
The UK Marine body has issued a warning, advising ships to exercise caution and report any suspicious activity while traveling in the Arabian Sea near Somalia, as a piracy action group is active in the area.
In Somalia’s Puntland region, a member of a group involved in past ship raids mentioned that pirates successfully seized a vessel. The individual stated, “Six of my pirate friends managed to capture a ship and they will bring it to the coast of the eastern region of Puntland.”
This development raises concerns about the resurgence of piracy activities in the region, prompting increased vigilance among maritime authorities and shipping vessels. The situation underscores the ongoing challenges in maintaining maritime security despite previous successes in combating piracy.