How Indian Navy is assisting the rescue of Malta Ship hijacked by pirates in Arabian Sea

In a quick response action against a hijacking incident of a Malta-flagged vessel in Arabian Sea, the Indian Navy responded swiftly to resuce the ship with the 18 crew on board. Upon receiving a distress call from the vessel, named MV Ruen, the Navy deployed its maritime patrol aircraft and warship to locate and assist the hijacked vessel. As per reports, the operation is still on.

The hijacking attempt was reported on Thursday, prompting the Indian Navy to send its mission-deployed platforms to the area of the incident early on Friday. The Navy's aircraft flew over the hijacked vessel, continuously monitoring its movement as it heads towards the coast of Somalia.

According to an Indian Navy spokesperson, "Responding swiftly to the developing situation, the Indian Navy diverted its naval maritime patrol aircraft undertaking surveillance in the area and its warship on anti-piracy patrol in the Gulf of Aden to locate and assist MV Ruen." The spokesperson further stated, "The aircraft overflew the hijacked vessel on the early morning of December 15, and the aircraft has been continuously monitoring the movement of the vessel, which is now heading towards the coast of Somalia."


In addition, the Indian Navy's warship deployed in the Gulf of Aden for anti-piracy patrol intercepted the MV Ruen on Saturday morning. The overall situation is being closely monitored in coordination with other agencies in the area.

"The Indian Navy remains committed to being a first responder in the region and ensuring the safety of merchant shipping, along with international partners and friendly foreign countries," the official stated.

Meanwhile, in the broader seas, a Spanish navy ship is racing towards a Maltese-flagged commercial vessel suspected of being hijacked by pirates off the coast of Somalia.

If confirmed, this would mark the first successful hijacking by Somali pirates since 2017 when international navies cracked down on piracy in the Gulf of Aden and the Indian Ocean.