INS Kolkata, deployed on a mission in the Arabian Sea, has successfully countered Somali pirates’ attempts to hijack ships transiting through the region by intercepting the pirate vessel MV Ruen on March 16, 2024, following sustained high-tempo operations lasting over 40 hours. The merchant vessel had been seized by Somali pirates in December 2023 and remained under their control until then.
As part of Maritime Security Operations, the Indian Navy has been conducting extensive surveillance in the region, including monitoring traffic in Areas of Interest. Based on surveillance information analysis, the Indian Navy tracked the movement of the Pirate Ship Ruen and directed INS Kolkata to intercept the ship approximately 260 nautical miles East of Somalia. Kolkata intercepted Ruen on the morning of March 15, 2024, and confirmed the presence of armed pirates through a ship-launched drone. In a hostile act, the pirates shot down the drone and fired at the Indian Naval warship. In response, Kolkata disabled the ship’s steering system and navigational aids, compelling the Pirate Ship to halt.
INS Kolkata executed precisely measured actions while maintaining proximity to the Pirate Ship and engaged in forceful negotiations, resulting in the Pirates surrendering and releasing the pirate ship MV Ruen and its original crew. The ongoing anti-piracy operation, conducted 1400 nautical miles from mainland India, saw augmentation from INS Subhadra and the air-dropping of Marine Commandos (PRAHARS) by a C-17 aircraft on the afternoon of March 16, 2024. Additionally, the pirate vessel was kept under surveillance by HALE RPA and P8I maritime reconnaissance aircraft. Due to sustained pressure and calibrated actions by the Indian Navy, all 35 Somali pirates surrendered on March 16, 2024. All 17 original crew members of MV Ruen were safely evacuated without injury. The vessel was also inspected for illegal arms, ammunition, and contraband.
The seaworthiness of MV Ruen will be evaluated on March 17, 2024, and the vessel, carrying approximately 37,800 tons of cargo estimated at around one million dollars, will be safely brought to India.
The culmination of the ongoing Anti-Piracy operation involving pirate ship Ruen in the Southern IOR underscores the Indian Navy’s commitment to reinforcing peace and stability and preventing the resurgence of piracy in the region. The Indian Navy remains steadfast in its role as the ‘First Responder’ in the Indian Ocean Region.
