Maltese-flagged bulk carrier named MV Ruen was boarded by six unknown attackers on 14 December, likely Somali pirates, in the Arabian Sea.
According to India’s Ministry of Defence, the vessel, with 18 crew onboard, had sent a Mayday message on UKMTO portal, PM 14 Dec 23, indicating boarding by approximately six unknown personnel. The Indian Navy subsequently 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’s warship, mission deployed in Gulf of Aden for anti-piracy patrol, has also intercepted MV Ruen at early hours of 16 Dec 23.
Meanwhile, as of the latest update, the EUNAVFOR flagship ESPS Victoria is currently monitoring the incident and coordinating with local authorities on further action. The situation on board the M/V is unknown.
The vessel is managed by Bulgarian shipping company Navibulgar, and its crew consists of nationals from Angola, Bulgaria, and Myanmar. Bulgarian Foreign Minister Maria Gabriel stated that necessary steps have been taken to inform foreign partners and institutions for assistance, and that they expect a ransom to be named soon.