Mumbai: The Indian Navy responded to a hijacking incident in the Arabian Sea after six unidentified persons took over Malta-flagged vessel MV Ruen with 18 crew members on board.
A Navy spokesperson said its warship and maritime patrol aircraft responded swiftly to a distress call on Friday evening.
“Responding swiftly to the developing situation, Indian Navy diverted its Naval Maritime Patrol aircraft undertaking surveillance in the area and its warship on Anti Piracy patrol in the Gulf Aden to locate & assist MV Ruen. 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,” Indian Navy said in a statement.
The operation is still on, with the overall situation being being closely monitored in coordination with other agencies in the area, an official said.
“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,” the official said.
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A Spanish navy ship also sailed at full speed towards the Malta-flagged commercial vessel, European Union’s Somali counter-piracy force said.
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