Indian Navy Re-Enacts Captain Philips' Saga to Free Merchant Vessel from Somali Pirates

In an operation reminiscent of the 2019 U.S. Navy SEALs' rescue of the captain of the cargo ship "Maersk Alabama" from Somali pirates, Indian Navy Marine commandos parachuted down from C-17 aircraft along with rubber boats, boarded the hijacked vessel MV Ruen, persuaded 35 pirates to surrender, and freed 17 crew members on March 15.

INS Kolkata intercepted the merchant vessel-turned pirate vessel Ruen on March 15, confirming armed pirates through a ship-launched drone before it was shot down, the Navy disclosed on Sunday.

This marked the beginning of a 40-hour operation resulting in the surrender of 35 pirates and the liberation of 17 crew members. Simultaneously, an Indian Air Force (IAF) C-17 transport aircraft conducted a 10-hour mission, air-dropping two CRRC boats 2600 km from the Indian coast.

“In a reckless hostile act, the pirates shot down the drone and fired at the Indian Naval warship. Kolkata responded by disabling the ship’s steering system, forcing the pirate ship to halt,” the Navy spokesperson explained. Video footage showed pirates using crew members as shields as warning shots were fired.

INS Kolkata meticulously maintained its position near the pirate vessel, engaging in forceful negotiations that led to the pirates surrendering and releasing MV Ruen and its original crew, the Indian Navy said. The Malta-flagged MV Ruen, hijacked in December 2023, was assessed for seaworthiness. Carrying approximately 37,800 tonnes of cargo worth over $1 million, it is set to be safely escorted to India.

Extensive surveillance in the region facilitated the tracking of Ruen, with INS Kolkata intercepting it 260 nm east of Somalia. The Navy’s Information Fusion Centre for Indian Ocean Region (IFC-IOR) closely monitored the situation, coordinating with stakeholders.

The anti-piracy operation was reinforced by INS Subhadra's deployment and the air-dropping of Marine Commandos (MARCOS). Surveillance aircraft further monitored the pirate vessel. The IAF highlighted its joint effort with the Navy in executing the precision air-drop mission.