Indian Navy, rescues hijacked malta-flagged vessel in Arabian Sea
A Mayday message was sent by a Maltese flagged ship MV RUEN traversing the Arabian Sea. The call was received by the Indian Navy and the Navy responded immediately to the Mayday message and stress calls made by the threatened vessel and swiftly deployed Naval Maritime Patrol aircraft to undertake surveillance in the area.
A warship on anti Piracy patrol in the Gulf of Aden was immediately asked to locate and assist MV Ruen in distress.
The Navy thus averted a potential hijacking crisis in the Arabian Sea on Thursday, in a swift display of maritime prowess. The Malta-flagged vessel MV Ruen was en route to Somalia.
“Indian Navy was continuously monitoring the movement of the vessel, which is now heading towards the coast of Somalia,” confirmed an Indian Navy spokesperson.
The vessel, with 18 crew personnel on board, was rescued early Saturday morning With its prompt action, the Indian Navy again demonstrated its capability to act as a net security provider in INDIA’S OCEAN.
Indian Navy also reiterated its commitment to be first responder in the region and ensure the safety of merchant shipping playing active role with international partners and friendly foreign countries.
MV Ruen, the vessel, reportedly lost control on Thursday, in a first significant piracy incident recorded after 2017. The attack has highlighted a major lapse in the ongoing anti-piracy efforts in the Arabian Sea by multi national navies.
In response to the incident, the UK Marine Trade Operations issued a warning, urging vessels to exercise caution while traversing the Arabian Sea near Somalia.
The Indian Navy is now on high alert in the region. Meanwhile, it has also advised ships to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity.
