Amidst a dramatic standoff, approximately 35 Somali pirates aboard the MV Ruen surrendered after facing “sustained pressure” from the Indian Navy, supported by calibrated actions, lasting for a staggering 40 hours. In a bold move, an IAF C-17 aircraft conducted a precision airborne drop of two Combat Rubberised Raiding Craft (CRRC) boats, deploying Indian Navy MARCOS in the Arabian Sea as part of the ongoing anti-piracy Op Sankalp.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in a reassuring gesture to President Rumen Radev of Bulgaria, confirmed the safety of the seven Bulgarian nationals rescued from the hijacked vessel by the Indian Navy. The MV Ruen, a Maltese-flagged bulk cargo ship, found itself in the clutches of about 35 Somali pirates, who eventually surrendered after enduring significant pressure from the Indian Navy’s strategic maneuvers over a span of 40 hours. All 17 crew members, including the seven Bulgarian nationals, were safely evacuated from the vessel without any reported injuries.
Modi Tweet:
Appreciate your message President @PresidentOfBg . We are happy that 7 Bulgarian nationals are safe and will be returning home soon. India is committed to protecting freedom of navigation and combating piracy and terrorism in the Indian Ocean region. https://t.co/nIUaY6UJjP
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) March 19, 2024
The daring rescue operation unfolded on Saturday when the Indian Navy intercepted the cargo ship seized by Somali pirates. Employing a multifaceted approach involving drones, navy vessels, and elite marine commandos, the operation successfully neutralized the hijackers’ hold on the vessel. The pirates, who had commandeered the ship back in December, were apprehended and brought to India to face legal proceedings, putting an end to their reign of maritime terror in the region.
Following the triumphant rescue, President Rumen Radev expressed heartfelt appreciation to Prime Minister Modi for the decisive actions undertaken by the Indian Navy. Taking to social media, President Radev conveyed his gratitude, stating, “My sincere gratitude to PM @narendramodi for the brave action of the 🇮🇳Navy rescuing the hijacked Bulgarian ship ‘Ruen’ and its crew, including 7 Bulgarian citizens.”
In response, Prime Minister Modi reciprocated the sentiment, affirming the safety of the Bulgarian nationals and India’s steadfast commitment to safeguarding freedom of navigation and combatting piracy and terrorism in the Indian Ocean region. He expressed his appreciation for President Radev’s message, underscoring India’s unwavering resolve to uphold maritime security and protect seafarers from piracy threats.