Hijacking of Malta Flagged Vessel Mv Ruen

Indian Navy's Mission Deployed platforms responded swiftly to a maritime incident in ArabianSea involving the hijacking of Malta Flagged Vessel MV Ruen. The vessel, with 18 crew onboard, had sent a Mayday message on the UKMTO portal, PM 14 Dec 2023, indicating boarding by approx six unknown personnel. 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 GulfofAden to locate and assist MV Ruen. The aircraft overflew the hijacked vessel on the early morning of 15 Dec 2023 and IN aircraft have been continuously monitoring the movement of the vessel, which is now heading towards the coast of Somalia. Indian Navy’s warship, mission deployed in the Gulf of Aden for anti-piracy patrol, has also intercepted MV Ruen in the early hours of 16 Dec 2023. The overall situation is being closely monitored, in coordination with other agencies/ MNF in the area. 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.