NEW DELHI, Dec 16, (Agencies): Indian Navy's warship and maritime patrol aircraft responded swiftly to a hijacking incident in the Arabian Sea involving the hijacking of Malta Flagged Vessel MV Ruen, on December 16, 2023.

As per a statement by the Indian Navy, a Navy aircraft overflew the hijacked vessel on December 15 and is continuously monitoring movement of the vessel, which is now heading towards the coast of Somalia.

 “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. 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 said in a statement.

Indian Navy’s warship, mission deployed in Gulf of Aden for anti-piracy patrol, has also intercepted MV Ruen in the early hours of 16 Dec 23, said Indian Navy.

The overall situation is being closely monitored, in coordination with other agencies/ MNF in the area, according to a PIB release.

MV Ruen, flagged in Malta, was hijacked on Friday evening in the Arabian Sea by Somali pirates. MV Ruen was promptly rescued by Indian Navy warships and maritime patrol aircraft on Saturday. As soon as the alert was received, Indian Navy warships diverted from their anti-piracy patrols to locate and assist the MV Ruen.

 “The Indian Navy MPA overflew MV Ruen early morning 15 Dec & continues to monitor the vessel, now heading towards coast of Somalia. The IN Warship on Anti Piracy patrol intercepted MV Ruen, early hours of 16 Dec. Situation being closely monitored," said Indian Navy Spokesperson on social media X.