Indian Navy's 40-hour standoff: 35 pirates walk the plank, 17 crew members rescued| 5 things to know

The Indian Navy said that INS Kolkata cornered and coerced all 35 pirates to surrender on Saturday, securing the safe extraction of 17 crew members from the pirate vessel without harm.

Here are top five things you should know about the rescue mission:

1. During the 40-hour rescue mission, INS Kolkata intercepted the targeted pirate ship Ruen, which was approximately 2600 km away from the Indian Coast, and brought it to a halt using strategic measures. “In the operation, Indian Air Force C-17 Globemaster transport aircraft had picked up Marine Commandos in large numbers from an air base on the west coast of India and then airdropped them in the Arabian Sea near the hijacked vessel around 2600 Km away from Indian shores. Special boats of commandos were also airdropped separately on the location in which they moved towards the vessel and carried out the operation,” said Indian Navy officials.

2. To ensure the safe retrieval of the crew members and the complete takeover of the troubled vessel, the mission received backing from various assets, including the Indian warship INS Subhadra, High Altitude Long Endurance (HALE RPA) drones, P8I maritime patrol aircraft, and MARCOS PRAHARs parachuted byHALE RPA. Meanwhile, the Indian Army officials said, “The Indian Navy is also bringing along the merchant vessel MV Ruen to the Indian coast. The vessel is carrying a huge amount of steel. The pirates had fired at the Indian Navy’s assets before surrendering before Marine Commandos.”

Also Read: Indian Navy establishes link with cargo ship Ruen's crew after thwarting Somali pirates' hijacking attempt

3. Later, the vessel was also sanitized for the presence of illegal arms, ammunition, and contraband. Earlier, the Indian Navy shared about the ongoing rescue operation to evacuate crew members onboard a distressed vessel.

4. The ex-MV Ruen, which had been commandeered by Somali pirates on December 14, 2023, reappeared as a pirate vessel, threatening merchant shipping in the high seas. Responding swiftly to the threat, an Indian Navy warship engaged the pirate vessel on March 15, the Navy said in its statement.

Also Read: Indian Navy thwarts Somali Pirates' hijacking attempt; intercepts ex-MV Ruen | Watch Video

5. The Indian Navy urged the pirates aboard the vessel to surrender promptly and release any hostages they might have been holding, according to an official statement. Emphasizing its steadfast dedication to maritime security and the protection of seafarers traversing these dangerous waters, the Indian Navy's intervention underscores India's determination to combat piracy and uphold global maritime regulations.

(With inputs from ANI)