In response to a recent piracy incident, the Indian Navy has deployed one of its guided missile destroyers to the Gulf of Aden, as stated by the Defence Ministry. This move aims to reinforce anti-piracy efforts in the region. Being a “first responder,” the Indian Navy is committed to securing the safety of commercial vessels and providing assistance to seafarers in the Gulf of Aden. The incident involved the Malta-flagged ship MV Ruen, with reports of six unidentified individuals boarding the vessel on the evening of December 14, as monitored on the UKMTO portal.
Upon receiving the information, the Indian Navy’s Maritime Patrol Aircraft swiftly reached the scene on December 15 to investigate the matter. It was confirmed that all eighteen crew members on the MV Ruen were safe inside the citadel, and there were no Indian nationals on board. Concurrently, INS Kochi, engaged in an anti-piracy patrol in the Gulf of Aden, was diverted to provide assistance.
In the early hours of December 16, INS Kochi tracked the MV Ruen and utilized its onboard helicopter to assess the situation. Communication with the crew revealed that pirates had taken control of the citadel and were holding the entire crew hostage. Despite injuries sustained by one crew member, the Navy opted for a non-intervention approach to ensure the safety of the crew. Later on December 16, the Spanish battleship ESPNS Victoria replaced the Japanese warship in the vicinity.
From December 16 to 17, INS Kochi closely monitored the hijacked ship as it headed towards Somalia, maintaining communication with the pirates and coordinating with other warships. On December 17, the stolen vessel entered Somalia’s territorial waters off the coast of Bosaso. Early on December 18, INS Kochi successfully negotiated the release of the injured crew member, who was then transported ashore in Oman on December 19 for immediate medical attention that could not be provided on the ship.
