In a swift and coordinated response, the Indian Navy has taken action in the wake of a maritime incident involving the alleged hijacking of the Malta-flagged vessel MV Ruen in the Arabian Sea. The vessel, carrying 18 crew members, sent a distress signal via the UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) portal on December 14, 2023, indicating an unauthorized boarding by approximately six unknown individuals.
#IndianNavy‘s Mission Deployed platforms respond to #hijacking in the #ArabianSea#MayDay msg from Malta Flagged Vessel MV Ruen on @UK_MTO portal – boarding by unknown personnel
Indian Naval Maritime Patrol Aircraft & warship on #AntiPiracy patrol immediately diverted@EUNAVFOR pic.twitter.com/mtXqjytSfF
— SpokespersonNavy (@indiannavy) December 16, 2023
Upon receiving the distress signal, the Indian Navy acted promptly to address the unfolding situation. A Naval Maritime Patrol aircraft, engaged in surveillance operations in the region, was diverted to assist MV Ruen. Additionally, a naval warship, already on Anti-Piracy patrol duty in the Gulf of Aden, was redirected to locate and aid the hijacked vessel.
On the early morning of December 15, 2023, the Indian Navy’s aircraft overflew MV Ruen, continuously monitoring the vessel’s movements, which were observed to be heading towards the coast of Somalia. The vigilant and proactive response by the Indian Navy allowed them to maintain real-time situational awareness.
Subsequently, on December 16, 2023, an Indian Navy warship, actively deployed for anti-piracy patrol in the Gulf of Aden, successfully intercepted MV Ruen, further strengthening the Navy’s efforts to secure the vessel and ensure the safety of its crew.
The ongoing situation continues to be closely monitored, with coordination efforts involving various agencies and multinational naval forces (MNF) in the region, the Indian Navy in a statement said.
“The Indian Navy remains steadfast in its commitment to being a first responder in the region, working alongside international partners and friendly foreign countries to safeguard merchant shipping and maintain security in vital maritime trade routes,” it added.
Meanwhile, the European Union’s Somali counter-piracy force reported that a Spanish navy ship was en route at full speed towards the Malta-flagged commercial vessel MV Ruen. EUNAVFOR confirmed that the Spanish warship Victoria was dispatched to the scene to gather more information and assess further actions. The force emphasized its continued vigilance in response to piracy-related events in the area of operations, covering the northwest Indian Ocean and the Red Sea, while also maintaining coordination with the broader international naval Combined Maritime Force.
Further, according to reports, British maritime security company Ambrey has reported its belief that MV Ruen has indeed fallen victim to piracy, underscoring the persistent challenges faced by vessels navigating these waters.
