Indian Navy successfully rescued a commercial ship, MV Rouen, from Somali pirates, along with 17 sailors onboard. The dramatic rescue unfolded off the Indian coast, where all 35 pirates aboard the vessel surrendered to naval authorities.
The operation, reported in an X message by the Indian Navy on Saturday, marks a significant victory against maritime piracy. MV Rouen, a bulk carrier registered under the flag of Malta, had fallen victim to pirates last December. It is suspected that the pirates had commandeered the Bangladeshi ship MV Abdullah from MV Rouen.
Indian Navy officials disclosed that they seized control of MV Rouen on Friday, initiating a search for illicit weapons, ammunition, and drugs aboard the vessel. Special commandos from the Indian Navy were actively involved in the operation, ensuring its success, as confirmed by a navy spokesperson.
The incident comes amidst ongoing concerns over piracy activities in the Indian Ocean region. Just days earlier, on March 12th, Somali pirates had hijacked the Bangladeshi ship MV Abdullah, carrying 23 sailors. Despite efforts by Indian and European naval forces, the pirates have continued to evade capture, frequently changing locations to avoid interception.
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