New Delhi:
The Indian Navy is closely monitoring the developing hijacking situation of a ship that now appears to be heading towards the coast of Somalia. The Indian warship responded to the distress call from cargo ship MV Ruen, a Maltese ship in the Arabian Sea.
An Indian Naval Maritime Patrol aircraft and warship on anti-piracy patrol were immediately diverted.
“The vessel, with 18 crew on board, had sent a Mayday message on the UKMTO portal on December 14, indicating that approximately six unknown personnel had boarded. “Reacting quickly to the evolving situation, the Indian Navy diverted its Naval Maritime Patrol aircraft to conduct surveillance in the area and its warship on anti-piracy patrol in the Gulf of Aden to locate and assist MV Ruen,” the Indian said Navy in a statement.
A Navy warship has intercepted the hijacked vessel and is closely monitoring its movements.
#IndianNavy's Mission The platforms deployed respond to this #hijacking in the #Arabian Sea#MayDay message from the ship MV Ruen sailing under the Malta flag @UK_MTO portal – boarding by unknown personnel
Indian Naval Maritime Patrol Aircraft & Warship #Antipiracy patrol immediately diverted@EUNAVFORpic.twitter.com/mtXqjytSfF
— SpokespersonNavy (@indiannavy) December 16, 2023
The ship, the MV Reun, was en route to Somalia when it was attacked on Thursday. Britain's Marine Trade Operations said the crew lost control of the ship.
The ship's capture appears to be the first major attack by Somali pirates since 2017, after efforts by several countries to curb piracy in the Gulf of Aden and the Indian Ocean put an end to such seizures.
The British Navy has advised ships to remain alert during their voyages in the Arabian Sea near Somalia as a piracy action group operates in the area.
“Vessels are advised to navigate with caution and report any suspicious activity,” the alert said.