Firm actions by the Indian Navy resulted in surrender of the Pirate Ship ex-MV Ruen on 16 March 2024.
In an operation lasting over 40 hours that commenced in the early hours of 15 March 2024, INS Kolkata intercepted Pirate Ship ex-MV Ruen in the Arabian Sea based on inputs received by IFC-IOR from UKMTO. As per the input, the ship was appreciated to be used as a Mother Ship for undertaking piracy attacks and hijacking of merchantmen.
INS Kolkata commenced shadowing the Pirate Ship in early hours of 15 Mar 2024. Prior day break, the vessel upon sighting INS Kolkata reversed course and started heading towards the Somali Coast. Several armed pirates were observed on upper deck of the ship.
INS Kolkata directed the Pirate Ship to stop for investigation in accordance with International Law, especially the United Nations Conventions on the Laws of the Sea(UNCLOS). However, the Pirate Ship refused to comply and instead opened fire. INS Kolkata thereafter acted in self-defence and used kinetic measures required to disable the ship and compel the pirates to surrender.
INS Subhadra joined INS Kolkata in the operation. Further, Indian Navy undertook long range deployment and para drop of Marine Commandos over sea in vicinity of the pirate ship using C17s in coordination with Indian Air Force. Aerial surveillance for the operation was undertaken by Indian Navy P8I aircraft, Sea Guardian UAV, and the ship’s integral helicopters and spotter drones.
In the face of decisive action by the Indian Navy, all pirates onboard surrendered. The 35 pirates and 17 crew members were duly taken into custody and shifted to Indian Naval ships. Thereafter, Indian Navy specialists searched and sanitised the ship with respect to arms, ammunition and contraband, rendering it safe. In addition, assessment of seaworthiness and essential repairs were undertaken by naval technical team, for making the ship fit for further voyage.
On request from the ship's original company, M/s Navibulgar, and the Master, the crew of MV Ruen were reinstated onboard the ship, which reverted her to earlier status and the ship hoisted the flag of Malta.
MV Ruen thereupon proceeded under own power to the next port of Salalah (Oman), as decided by the company, under escort of INS Subhadra to safeguard it against further pirate attack.
INS Kolkata, with the 35 apprehended pirates returned to Mumbai on 23 March 2024 and handed over the Pirates to the local police for further legal action in accordance with Indian laws, specifically the Maritime Anti Piracy Act 2022.
Indian Navy displayed high degree of professionalism and upheld the principles of international law and commitment to ensuring safe seas and maritime security in the region.
As part of the ongoing Operation Sankalp, Indian Navy ships are deployed in the Arabian Sea and Gulf of Aden towards safety of seafarers and mercantile trade passing through the region.
