Indian Navy frees hijacked ship following months-long standoff

The Indian Navy has successfully gained control of a foreign-flagged cargo vessel that was held captive by Somali pirates for months following its hijacking in the Arabian Sea late last year.

The guided-missile destroyer INS Kolkata was deployed to intercept the Malta-registered bulk carrier Ruen as the latter was underway east of Somalia on Friday, March 15.

The cargo vessel had been under continuous surveillance by Indian and European Union naval forces since December 14, 2023, when it was boarded by armed men who were later identified as Somali nationals.

Using an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), Kolkata‘s crew confirmed the presence of the pirates on board the hijacked vessel.

The pirates then shot down the UAV and opened fire on Kolkata in what the navy described as a “reckless hostile act.”

In a calibrated response in accordance with international laws, Kolkata‘s crew disabled the cargo vessel’s steering system and navigational aids, forcing the latter to come to a full stop.

The navy personnel then undertook measured actions while maintaining position close to the hijacked vessel and also engaged in negotiations. This then resulted in the 35 pirates surrendering and releasing the vessel and its 17-strong crew on Saturday, March 16.

Operators from the Indian Navy’s Marine Commandos (MARCOS) special warfare unit were air-dropped into the waters surrounding Ruen to assist in securing the vessel and its crew and in taking the perpetrators into custody.

No injuries have been reported among the vessel’s crew or the Indian Navy personnel.