Indian Navy Responds To Distress Call, Rushes To Rescue Somalia-Bound Ship From Hijacking In Arabian Sea

The Indian Navy said it also diverted its Naval Maritime Patrol aircraft for surveillance in the area.

Indian Navy has said its warship and maritime patrol aircraft responded swiftly to a hijacking incident in the Arabian Sea involving Malta Flagged Vessel MV Ruen that was heading towards Somalia. The Navy got into action after it received a distress call from MV Ruen. The Navy said it responded promptly to the developing situation and diverted its Naval Maritime Patrol aircraft undertaking surveillance in the area and its warship on Anti Piracy patrol in the Gulf Aden to locate and assist MV Ruen.

The hijacking attempt was reported on Thursday and the mission deployed platforms of the Indian Navy to the area of the incident early on Friday, officials said, quoted news agency PTI.

"The aircraft overflew the hijacked vessel on early morning of 15 Dec 23 and IN aircraft have been continuously monitoring movement of the vessel, which is now heading towards the coast of Somalia," it said. The Indian Navy added that its warship, mission deployed in the Gulf of Aden for anti-piracy patrol, has also intercepted MV Ruen in the early hours of 16 Dec 23.

The overall situation is being closely monitored, in coordination with other agencies in the area, a navy official said, reported PTI.

"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," he added.