In a dramatic 40-hour showdown with pirates, the Indian Navy announced on 16th March that they compelled 35 Somali pirates to surrender. Moreover, they successfully rescued 17 crew members who had been held hostage on a hijacked vessel in the Arabian Sea. According to the Navy’s statement, the Indian warship INS Kolkata traversed more than 2,600 kilometres to confront the bulk cargo vessel MV Ruen, which had been utilised as a mother ship for piracy on the high seas for three months following its hijacking on December 17th last year.
Dramatic Gun Battle on MV Ruen
As part of its Maritime Security Operations, the Indian Navy has been conducting extensive surveillance in the region, which includes monitoring traffic in Areas of Interest. Based on the analysis of this surveillance information, the Indian Navy successfully tracked the movement of the Pirate Ship Ruen. Subsequently, INS Kolkata was directed to intercept the ship approximately 260 nautical miles East of Somalia. Kolkata successfully intercepted Ruen on the morning of 15th March and confirmed the presence of armed pirates through a ship-launched drone, according to an official statement from the Indian Navy.
“In a hostile act, the pirates recklessly shot down the drone and opened fire at the Indian Naval warship. In accordance with International Laws, Kolkata responded in a calibrated manner by disabling the ship’s steering system and navigational aids, effectively forcing the Pirate Ship to halt,” the statement said.
Warships, Drones, and Commandos Pressed into Operation
INS Kolkata executed meticulously planned actions while maintaining close proximity to the Pirate Ship. Through forceful negotiations, the vessel successfully persuaded the pirates to surrender, resulting in the release of the pirate ship MV Ruen and its original crew. The Indian Navy’s efforts in the ongoing anti-piracy operation, conducted 1400 nautical miles (2600 km) from mainland India, were further bolstered by the deployment of INS Subhadra in the area on 16 March.
“Marine Commandos (PRAHARS) were air-dropped by a C-17 aircraft in the afternoon of the same day. Surveillance of the pirate vessel was continuously conducted by HALE RPA and P8I maritime reconnaissance aircraft. Due to sustained pressure and calculated actions by the Indian Navy over the preceding 40 hours, all 35 Somali pirates surrendered on the evening of 16 March. All 17 original crew members of MV Ruen were safely evacuated from the pirate vessel without any injuries. Furthermore, the vessel underwent sanitisation to ensure no illegal arms, ammunition, or contraband remained on board,” stated the statement.
MV Ruen’s seaworthiness assessment is scheduled for the morning of March 17, disclosed by the Indian Navy. The vessel, carrying approximately 37,800 tons of cargo valued at around one million dollars, will be safely escorted to India.
As per the statement, the conclusion of the ongoing anti-piracy operation, which centred around the pirate ship Ruen in the Southern Indian Ocean Region (IOR), underscores the Indian Navy’s unwavering dedication to bolstering peace and stability and preventing the resurgence of piracy in the area. The Indian Navy remains resolute in fulfilling its role as the ‘First Responder’ in the Indian Ocean Region.
Over the decade leading up to 2018, Somali pirates instigated chaos in global waterways, though they remained relatively subdued until a resurgence of attacks commenced late last year. Responding promptly to incidents in the Arabian Sea, the Indian Navy has collaborated with international partners to safeguard merchant shipping. Dozens of warships from extra-regional forces are deployed in the Indian Ocean for diverse missions, including anti-piracy operations.
Ravi Shankar
