WATCH: IAF Carries Out Precision Airdrop To Assist Navy Rescue Crew Members Of Hijacked Ship In Arabian Sea

The Navy's operation involved the deployment of the stealth-guided missile destroyer INS Kolkata, patrol vessel INS Subhadra, and long-endurance Sea Guardian drones.

New Delhi: The Indian Navy's INS Kolkata, mission-deployed in the Arabian Sea, successfully thwarted the designs of Somali pirates to hijack ships transiting through the region. In a high-tempo operation lasting over 40 hours, INS Kolkata intercepted the pirate ship MV Ruen on March 16, 2024, effectively ending its control by the pirates. The operation aimed to rescue the crew of the hijacked bulk carrier vessel MV Ruen, which had fallen victim to Somali pirates near the Yemeni island of Socotra.

This coordinated effort between the Indian Air Force (IAF) and Navy was hailed as a “remarkable display” of “jointness” between the two forces. The operation resulted in the capture of 35 pirates and the release of 17 hostages aboard the former Maltese-flagged merchant vessel, seized by Somali pirates around 2,600 km from the Indian coast.

The Navy shared the visuals of the operations which involved an IAF C-17 tactical transport aircraft conducting a precise airdrop operation in the Arabian Sea, delivering two combat boats along with marine commandos to assist the Navy in reclaiming a hijacked cargo vessel from Somali pirates.

The Navy's operation involved the deployment of the stealth-guided missile destroyer INS Kolkata, patrol vessel INS Subhadra, and long-endurance Sea Guardian drones. The elite marine commandos, known as MARCOS, were airdropped into the region using the C-17 aircraft.

"In a reckless hostile act, the pirates shot down the drone and fired at the Indian Naval warship. In a calibrated response iaw International Laws, Kolkata disabled the ship's steering system and navigational aids, forcing the Pirate Ship to stop," the Navy informed in a statement

It further mentioned, "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."

All 35 Somali Pirates Surrendered, No Injuries Among 17 Original Crew Members Of MV Ruen: Navy

All 35 Somali pirates surrendered on March 16, 2024, without any injuries reported among the 17 original crew members of MV Ruen, who were safely evacuated from the pirate vessel.  

In its statement, the Navy emphasised its commitment to reinforcing peace and stability in the region while thwarting the resurgence of piracy.

"The seaworthiness of MV Ruen will be assessed in the morning on 17 Mar 2024, and the vessel which is carrying approx. 37800 T of cargo estimated at around one million dollars will be brought safely to India," the statement read.

"The culmination of the ongoing Anti-Piracy operation involving pirate ship Ruen in the Southern IOR highlights the commitment of the Indian Navy towards reinforcing peace and stability, and also to thwart the resurgence of Piracy in the region. The Indian Navy remains steadfast in performing its role as the 'First Responder' in IOR," he added.

This operation underscores the Indian Navy's dedication to safeguarding strategic waterways, particularly in light of increasing attacks on cargo vessels in the Red Sea by Iran-backed Houthi militants.

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