Somali pirates seize Bulgarian carrier and take hostages to Horn of Africa

Maritime security company Ambrey confirmed on Monday, the 18th, that the grain carrier Ruen, operated by a Bulgarian company, was seized by Somali pirates. This marks the first piracy incident off the coast of Somalia since the hijacking of the vessel ARIS 13 in 2017.

According to the Reuters agency, an Indian navy warship and a Spanish vessel from the EUNAVFOR task force were dispatched to investigate the possible hijacking. However, neither arrived in time to intercept the Maltese-flagged vessel and currently, the Ruen is anchored 15 kilometers off the coast of Puntland, Somalia, according to Ambrey data.

According to the Indian Express, a wounded Bulgarian man was evacuated from the Ruen to the Indian ship INS Kochi for treatment. The pirates’ firearms are said to have caused the injury. After receiving initial treatment onboard, the injured individual stabilized and was transferred to Oman for more extensive treatment.

The Indian source also claims that the Ruen was attacked by six pirates who forced the crew of 18 to take refuge in the ship’s ‘citadel.’ However, the assailants broke in, compelling the crew to reroute the cargo ship around Somalia.

EUNAVFOR informed Reuters that the problem hasn’t been solved, and the European force is cooperating with Somali authorities to gather more information. Indian Navy spokesperson Commander Vivek Madhwal also stated that the Indian Navy is in the area, ready to assist if needed.

Officials now fear that Somali pirates may exploit the instability to return to activity. The Gulf of Aden witnessed several ship hijackings between 2008 and 2012, including the incident that inspired the movie “Captain Phillips.”

Source: O Globo
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