35 Somalian Pirates Nabbed By Indian Navy Remanded To 10-day Police Custody

A Mumbai court has granted 10 days of police custody to the 35 Somalian pirates captured by the Indian Navy on Sunday.

Following a 40-hour operation initiated on March 15, the Indian Navy’s INS Kolkata apprehended the pirates. The successful mission, which culminated on March 16, ensured the safe rescue of 17 crew members from the pirate vessel, without any casualties, as stated by the Indian Navy.

During the operation, INS Kolkata intercepted the pirate ship Ruen, located approximately 2600 km off the Indian Coast, and compelled it to halt through strategic maneuvers.

Supporting the rescue effort were INS Subhadra, High Altitude Long Endurance HALE RPA drones, P8I maritime patrol aircraft, and MARCOS PRAHARs airdropped by a C-17 aircraft.

Earlier reports from the Indian Navy had highlighted ongoing efforts to evacuate crew members from the distressed vessel.

The ex-MV Ruen, previously hijacked by Somali pirates on December 14, 2023, resurfaced as a pirate vessel posing a threat to merchant shipping. Responding promptly, an Indian Navy warship engaged the pirate vessel on March 15, as per the Navy’s statement.