MV Ruen, a Malta-flagged merchant vessel, was hijacked by Somali pirates on December 14, 2023. The pirates used the Iranian-flagged fishing vessel Al Ashkaan, which they had hijacked earlier on November 29, 2023, off Yemen's coast, as a mother ship for this operation.
How Were the Crew Members Affected?
The crew of Al Ashkaan, consisting of 24 Pakistani nationals, was taken hostage and later used in the hijacking of MV Ruen. The operation ended with the Indian Navy freeing the 17 crew members of MV Ruen and capturing 35 pirates.
What Was the Outcome for the Pirates?
The 35 pirates involved in the hijacking of MV Ruen were intercepted by the Indian Navy, surrendered after a 40-hour operation, and were subsequently brought to Mumbai for prosecution on March 23.
How Did the Authorities Respond?
The Indian Navy, utilizing INS Kolkata, intercepted MV Ruen, leading to the capture of the pirates and the rescue of the crew. The operation involved airdropping marine commandos and combat boats by an Indian Air Force C-17 transport aircraft.
What Followed After the Incident?
After the incident, MV Ruen, with its Malta flag restored, proceeded on its own power to the port of Salalah, Oman, escorted by INS Subhadra. The hijacking incidents were monitored and reported by various maritime security centers and naval forces, highlighting the collaborative effort in combating maritime piracy.
What Will Happen to Al Ashkaan and Its Crew?
Post-incident, the crew of Al Ashkaan expressed intentions to continue fishing near Socotra Island until the end of Ramzan before proceeding to Iran. They reportedly had sufficient fuel for their immediate needs.
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