Indian Navy Responds To Distress Call, Counters Hijacking Incident In Arabian Sea

The Indian Navy on Saturday said it responded to a hijacking incident in the Arabian Sea with unknown men who seized control of the Malta-flagged vessel MV Ruen, which had 18 crew members on board.

The Navy deployed its maritime patrol aircraft, engaged in surveillance in the region, and its warship on an anti-piracy patrol in the Gulf of Aden to locate and aid the vessel, MV Ruen, after receiving a distress call.

Officials said the hijacking attempt on Thursday, and the Indian Navy sent its mission-deployed platforms to the incident area early on Friday.

The Navy said its aircraft flew over the hijacked vessel and it has been continuously monitoring movement of the vessel, which is now heading towards the coast of Somalia.

"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," an Indian Navy spokesperson said.

"The aircraft overflew the hijacked vessel on early morning of December 15 and the aircraft has been continuously monitoring movement of the vessel, which is now heading towards the coast of Somalia," he said.

The official stated that the Indian Navy's warship, engaged in anti-piracy patrol in the Gulf of Aden, successfully intercepted the MV Ruen on Saturday morning. The situation is under vigilant monitoring, with coordination among various agencies in the region, according to the official.

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