After receiving a distress hijack call, an Indian naval maritime patrol aircraft and warship, which were on anti-piracy patrol in the Gulf of Aden, were swiftly redirected to locate and provide assistance to the cargo carrier MV Ruen, a Maltese vessel in the Arabian Sea.
The Indian Navy spokesperson announced on X (previously known as Twitter) that the ship, which had 18 crew members on board, sent an urgent distress signal via the UKMTO portal, reporting that approximately six unidentified individuals had boarded the vessel.
"The vessel, with 18 crew onboard, had sent a Mayday message on UKMTO portal, indicating boarding by 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.
Indian Navy spokesperson posted on Twitter about Indian warship responding to Malta Vessel hijacked in Arabian Sea.
© Photo : Twitter/@indiannavy
An Indian Navy warship has successfully intercepted the hijacked vessel and is closely monitoring its movement.
On Thursday, the MV Ruen was en route to Somalia when it fell victim to an attack. The UK's Marine Trade Operations reported that the crew had lost control of the ship.