The Indian Navy has deployed a second frontline ship in the Gulf of Aden to augment its anti-piracy mission, following the hijacking of a Malta-flagged cargo vessel by pirates.

Piracy Attack On Mv Ruen In Central Arabian Sea

The Navy now has stealth guided-missile destroyer INS Kochi and INS Kolkata in the region. On the night of 14 Dec 23, a report regarding potential piracy incident onboard Malta flagged vessel, MV Ruen, was monitored on UKMTO portal. The vessel was reported to be boarded by six unknown personnel. In a swift response, Indian Navy’s Maritime Patrol Aircraft deployed to investigate the incident arrived overhead MV Ruen AM 15 Dec 23 and established communication with the crew.

All 18 crew (no Indians onboard the MV) were reported to be safe in the citadel. Concurrently, in response to the incident, INS Kochi on Anti Piracy Patrol in the Gulf of Aden was also diverted immediately to render assistance. INS Kochi intercepted MV Ruen in the early hours on16 Dec 23 and launched its integral helicopter to assess the situation. It was ascertained from the crew that the citadel onboard MV Ruen had been breached and all crew members were held hostage by the pirates.

IN ship maintained in close vicinity of hijacked vessel during its transit towards Somalia from 16 – 17 Dec 23, suitably engaging with the pirates and coordinating actions with the other warships. The hijacked vessel entered territorial waters of Somalia (off Bosaso) PM 17 Dec 23. INS Kochi was successful in ensuring that the injured crew member was released by pirates in the early hours of 18 Dec 23 for further medical management.

The injured crew member was medically attended to onboard the IN ship but due to urgent medical attention required, which was beyond the scope of the ship, he was transferred ashore at Oman on 19 Dec 23.