The Indian Navy successfully prevented an attempt by Somali pirates to hijack ships by intercepting their vessel in the high seas off the east coast of Somalia, officials disclosed on Saturday.
According to reports, the pirates had set sail on a ship that was seized around three months ago.
"The ex-MV Ruen, previously hijacked by Somali pirates on 14 December, was reported to have embarked as a pirate vessel to carry out acts of piracy on the high seas," stated the Navy.
The vessel was intercepted by an Indian Navy warship on March 15, it confirmed.
The Navy said it acted in self-defence and called on the pirates to surrender and release any hostages they may be holding.
"The vessel was intercepted by the #IndianNavy warship on #15Mar. The vessel opened fire on the warship, which is taking actions iaw international law, in self-defence & to counter piracy, with minimal force necessary to neutralise the pirates' threat to shipping and seafarers. The pirates onboard the vessel have been called upon to surrender & release the vessel & any civilians they may be holding against their will," the statement added.
This comes a day after the Indian Navy responded to an SOS call by a Bangladesh-flagged bulk carrierthat was seized by pirates off the coast of Somalia. They pirates had taken the ship's 23-member crew hostage earlier this week, the Navy said.
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