Indian Navy successfully rescues crew members of hijacked Bulgarian vessel from Somali pirates

New Delhi, Mar 18: In a bold display of maritime prowess, the Indian Navy has successfully rescued the hijacked Bulgarian vessel MV Ruen from Somali pirates after nearly four months of captivity.

The daring operation, which lasted over 40 hours, saw the Indian Navy's Marine Commandos (Marcos) spring into action, thwarting the pirates' attempts and ensuring the safe evacuation of the vessel's crew, including seven Bulgarian nationals.

Mariya Gabriel, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Bulgaria, took to Twitter to express her gratitude, tagging Prime Minister Modi, the Minister of External Affairs, and the Ministry of External Affairs of India.

She lauded the Indian Navy for their unwavering support and tremendous effort in rescuing MV Ruen and its crew members. "Thank you for the support and great effort. We continue to work together to protect the lives of the crew," she tweeted.

In response, Minister of External Affairs Dr S Jaishankar expressed solidarity, stating, "That is what friends are for." The exchange on social media underlines the strong diplomatic ties between India and Bulgaria, further cementing their commitment to collaborative efforts in ensuring maritime security and safeguarding the lives of seafarers.

The successful rescue mission comes amidst heightened concerns over maritime threats, including piracy and blockades by groups such as the Houthi rebels in the Red Sea.

The Indian Navy's swift and decisive action serves as a testament to its role as a frontline guardian of the seas, dedicated to upholding peace and stability in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) and beyond.

With MV Ruen safely back in the hands of its rightful owners, the Indian Navy's vigilance remains unwavering, reaffirming its status as a 'First Responder' in addressing maritime challenges and protecting vital shipping lanes.

The successful anti-piracy mission conducted by the Indian Navy, culminating in the rescue of the hijacked vessel MV Ruen, stands as a testament to the unwavering commitment of the Indian armed forces to safeguard maritime security in the Indian Ocean Region.

The operation, spanning over 40 hours, involved meticulous planning and precise execution, showcasing the Indian Navy's increasing proficiency in combating maritime threats.

MV Ruen, a bulk cargo ship flagged under Malta but owned by Bulgaria, fell prey to Somali pirates in December. The vessel, stationed off the coast of Eyl in Somalia for months under pirate control, posed a significant threat not only to the crew's safety but also to the integrity of maritime trade routes.

In response to this threat, INS Kolkata, a patrolling warship deployed in the Arabian Sea, intercepted MV Ruen approximately 260 nautical miles east of Somalia. The interception was a culmination of extensive surveillance efforts undertaken by the Indian Navy, which tracked the movements of the pirate ship, the official spokesperson of the navy said.

Upon confirming the presence of armed pirates aboard MV Ruen, the Indian Navy faced hostile action, including the shooting down of a ship-launched drone and direct fire at INS Kolkata.

The navy spokesperson further added that in adherence to international laws and regulations, the Indian Navy responded with calibrated measures, disabling the pirate vessel's steering system and navigational aids. This strategic move compelled the pirate ship to cease its hostile actions and comply with the Indian Navy's commands.

INS Subhadra and Marine Commandos (Marcos), deployed alongside INS Kolkata, played crucial roles in augmenting the operation's effectiveness.

Furthermore, the utilization of advanced surveillance technologies, including High-Altitude Long Endurance Remotely Piloted Aircraft (HALE RPA) and P8I maritime reconnaissance aircraft, enabled continuous monitoring of the pirate vessel's movements, ensuring real-time situational awareness for the Indian Navy.

The surrender of all 35 Somali pirates and the safe evacuation of all 17 crew members of MV Ruen without any injuries underscore the professionalism and efficiency of the Indian Navy in handling complex maritime security challenges.