Navy intercepts cargo ship hijacked last year, releases photo, video of pirates

The Indian Navy said in a statement that it is taking action against the pirates in accordance with international law.

Updated on: Mar 16, 2024, 11:42:59 IST

By HT News Desk

Prefer HTon Google

Share via

Copy link

New Delhi: The Indian Navy, which has been taking concrete action in international waters against pirates to ensure safe passages to merchant ships, has intercepted a cargo ship named Ruen, which was hijacked by Somali pirates in December. The force released a video of the pirates firing at them.

The Maltese-flagged bulk cargo vessel Ruen seized by Somali pirates, which was intercepted by the Indian Navy. Suspected pirates seen aboard the ship. (Navy )

The Indian Navy said in a statement that it is taking action against the pirates in accordance with international law.

Somali pirates seized the Maltese-flagged Ruen in December. They may have used it to attempt to take over a Bangladesh-flagged cargo ship off the coast of Somalia. The Indian Navy, however, thwarted their design.

"The ex-MV Ruen, which had been hijacked by Somali pirates on #14Dec 23, was reported to have sailed out as a pirate ship towards conducting acts of #piracy on the high seas. The vessel was intercepted by the #IndianNavy warship on #15Mar," the Navy said in a statement.

Also read: Indian Navy responds to hijacking bid of Bangladeshi vessel off Somali coast

The Navy said the hijacked vessel opened fire on the Indian warship.

"The vessel opened fire on the warship, which is taking actions iaw international law, in self-defence & to counter piracy, with minimal force necessary to neutralise the pirates’ threat to shipping and seafarers," it added.

The Navy said the pirates on board have been asked to surrender and hand over civilian captives.

"The pirates onboard the vessel have been called upon to surrender & release the vessel & any civilians they may be holding against their will," it said.

"The #IndianNavy remains committed to #maritimesecurity & safety of seafarers in the region," it added.

Also read: Video: Indian Navy rescues 1 Indian, 20 others after ship hit by Houthi missile in Gulf of Aden

The video shared by the Navy shows a suspected pirate shooting from the deck of the ship.

The Indian Navy has been playing a proactive role in securing the oceanic merchant routes from pirates and terrorists. The force has been responding to distress calls by pirate and drone-hit merchant ships.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
HT News Desk
Follow the latest breaking news, major developments and agenda-setting stories from India and around the world with the newsdesk at Hindustan Times. Operating round the clock, the desk brings together experienced editors, reporters and correspondents to deliver fast, accurate and contextual reporting across subjects that influence public policy, governance, business, society and international affairs. The HT News Desk covers politics, elections, government policies, the economy, business and markets, science and technology, the environment, law and order, infrastructure, education, climate issues and geopolitics, while closely tracking developments across states, institutions and global capitals. The team also leads coverage of major breaking news events, policy announcements, court proceedings, natural disasters, public emergencies and significant international developments. Reports published by the newsdesk are based on information gathered from reporters on the ground, official statements, government agencies, court records, regulatory filings, recognised institutions and other authoritative sources. Stories undergo editorial scrutiny and verification processes to ensure accuracy, fairness and relevance, and are updated as events evolve and additional information becomes available. Whether covering a key political decision in New Delhi, an economic policy shift affecting millions, a landmark court ruling or a major global event, the HT News Desk aims to provide readers with reliable, fact-based journalism that delivers not only the latest developments but also the context and analysis needed to understand their wider implications.Read More

Indian Navy

Get the latest India News, breaking headlines and real-time updates from across the country. Stay informed about politics, government policies, crime, weather and major national developments.