Indian Navy Shadowing Bulgarian-Managed Bulk Carrier Likely Taken By Somali Pirates

The Indian Navy on December 16 said it is shadowing a Bulgarian-managed bulk carrier that was boarded by unknown attackers -- likely Somali pirates -- in the Arabian Sea. The Maltese-flagged MV Ruen, with a crew of 18, sent a Mayday message on the U.K. Maritime Trade Operations portal on December 14 indicating that six unknown people had boarded the vessel. The Indian Navy responded by sending its anti-piracy patrol warship and maritime patrol aircraft to locate and assist the vessel. The Ruen, managed by Bulgarian shipping company Navibulgar, was off the Yemeni island of Socotra when it was boarded.