Indian Navy Warship Intercepts Hijacked Maltese Ship In Arabian Sea

The Indian Navy is closely monitoring a developing hijack scenario involving a ship, which seems to be currently moving towards the Somalia coastline.

The Indian warship reacted to the distress signal from the cargo carrier MV Ruen, a ship from Malta, in the Arabian Sea.

An Anti Piracy patrol warship and an Indian Naval Maritime Patrol Aircraft have been promptly diverted.

"The vessel, with 18 crew onboard, had sent a Mayday message on UKMTO portal, PM 14 Dec 23, indicating boarding by approx six unknown personnel. 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," Indian Navy said in a statement.

The hijacked ship is now under the close surveillance and interception of the Indian Navy warship.

According to the UK's Marine Trade Operations, the crew no longer maintains control over the ship.

The capture of the vessel appears to be the first major attack by Somali pirates since 2017, following counter-piracy efforts by several countries stopped such seizures in the Gulf of Aden and Indian Ocean, NDTV reported.

The British Marine body has issued a warning for vessels to stay vigilant when navigating the Arabian Sea close to Somalia due to the presence of an active pirate group in the region.

"Vessels are advised to transit with caution and report any suspicious activity," the warning said.