In a bold operation, Indian Navy ship INS Kolkata, part of the western naval command engaged in anti-piracy operations in the Gulf of Aden, is set to arrive in Mumbai on Saturday morning with 35 captured Somali pirates on board. The pirates will be handed over to the Yellow Gate police upon arrival, as confirmed by a naval spokesperson.
The dramatic capture unfolded after a 40-hour combat involving the Indian Navy and marine commandos air-dropped by the Indian Air Force. The pirates, known for their attacks on multiple ships including some with drones, were intercepted by INS Kolkata while attempting to hijack the Bulgarian-owned merchant vessel M V Ruen.
The Indian Navy, vigilant in maritime security operations, tracked the movement of M V Ruen based on extensive surveillance and directed INS Kolkata to intercept the ship approximately 260 nautical miles east of Somalia. The interception took place on March 15, with the presence of armed pirates confirmed through a ship-launched drone.
In a hostile act, the pirates shot down the drone and fired at INS Kolkata. In response, the Indian naval warship disabled the pirate ship’s steering system and navigational aids, compelling it to stop. Through forceful negotiations and precisely measured actions, INS Kolkata successfully secured the surrender of all 35 pirates and released M V Ruen. The original crew members of M V Ruen, totaling 17 individuals, were safely evacuated from the pirate vessel without any harm.
The efforts of the Indian Navy were bolstered by the deployment of INS Subhadra and air-dropped marine commandos, enhancing the anti-piracy operation nearly 1,400 nautical miles from mainland India. Surveillance was also maintained through the P 8I maritime reconnaissance aircraft.
M V Ruen, carrying approximately 37,800 tonnes of cargo valued at around one million dollars, will be thoroughly inspected. The captured pirates will face charges under the Maritime Piracy Act upon their handover to the Yellow Gate police in Mumbai.
Sources By Agencies
