Navy rescues hijacked MV 2,600 km from mainland

After a dramatic intervention on the high seas that saw first operational deployment of airborne troops 2,600 km from the mainland, Indian Navy has freed a merchant vessel from pirate control and is bringing the ship and its cargo worth over $ 1 million to India.

In an operation that lasted for over 40 hours, Navy disabled MV Ruen, which had been taken captive by Somalian pirates in December. It used its C17 long-range transport aircraft to airdrop marine commandos and seize the vessel.

The action, led by INS Kolkata, took place after pirates onboard the ship fired at the Navy vessel and shot down a short-range drone that was deployed for surveillance. The ship, with 37,800 tonnes of cargo will be brought to an Indian port, along with 35 pirates who have been detained.


The 17-member crew of MV Ruen - from Bulgaria, Angola and Myanmar - have been taken onboard the Indian warship and given health attention. The successful operation is of significance as it is likely to be a deterrent to further piracy attempts.

"In a reckless hostile act, the pirates shot down the drone and fired at the Indian Naval warship. In a calibrated response in line with international laws, Kolkata disabled the ship's steering system and navigational aids, forcing the pirate ship to stop," officials said.

"INS Kolkata undertook precisely measured actions while maintaining her position close to the pirate ship and also engaged in forceful negotiations, which resulted in the pirates surrendering and releasing the pirate ship MV Ruen and its original crew present onboard," they added.

The action, closely watched by the international community, is a result of sustained patrols by Indian Navy ships along the coast of Somalia and other parts of the Arabian sea that have been subject to pirate attacks.

In December, Navy came tantalisingly close to rescuing the same vessel when it first reported being boarded by pirates. Responding to a distress call, INS Kochi had closed in to the vessel and was preparing to board it when the pirates managed to infiltrate the citadel - a stronghold meant for taking shelter in event of an attack - and took the crew hostage. In consideration of safety aspects of the crew, it was decided not to take coercive action.