On Saturday, the Indian Navy’s INS Kolkata was able to force all 35 Somali pirates to surrender while successfully rescuing 17 crew members from the former MV Ruen, which was taken over on December 14 of last year.
After a 40-hour operation that ended in the evening, every member of the crew was rescued safely and without any injuries.
The Pirate Ship Ruen was intercepted by INS Kolkata approximately 2600 km off the coast of India, and the Navy claims that INS Subhadra, HALE RPA, P8I maritime patrol aircraft, and MARCOS – PRAHARs air-dropped by C-17 aircraft all contributed to the coordinated actions that forced the pirate ship to stop.
Additionally, the ship has been sanitised to remove any potential illegal weapons, ammo, or contraband.
The Navy announced earlier in the morning that it had intercepted the ex-MV Ruen, thwarting Somali pirates’ plans to take over ships passing through the area.
The ex-MV Ruen, which was taken over by Somali pirates on December 14 of last year, was reportedly sailing out as a pirate ship to engage in high seas piracy, according to the Navy.
On Friday, though, a warship of the Indian Navy intercepted the vessel.
The warship, acting in accordance with international law, fired back at the vessel in self-defense and to combat piracy, using the least amount of force required to eliminate the threat posed by the pirates to shipping and seafarers.
The ex-MV Ruen’s pirates were ordered to surrender, release the ship, and free any civilians they were detaining against their will.
The Navy is dedicated to regional seafarers’ safety and maritime security, according to an official.
