This footage, provided by the Indian Navy, shows their Special Forces unit, the Marine Commandos (MARCOS) boarding a Somali-held ship and rescuing the crew. The pirates were transported to Mumbai to stand trial.

The MV Ruen, a Bulgarian-owned shipping vessel, was captured by Somali pirates in December of 2023. The Ruen was monitored by the Indian Navy until 16 March 2024, when the INS Kolkata led the boarding action shown here. While the Indian Navy has been on high alert due to the ongoing Houthi threat, The Kolkata in particular has been putting in work, having repeatedly come to the aid of several stricken vessels.

Here we see MARCOS being briefed at their home station, INS Abhimanyu, before being dropped in to board the Ruen. INS Abhimanyu is to the MARCOS as Coronado is to the SEALS. Gear is dropped in from 1000 feet before the MARCOS parachute from 6000 feet. They board the vessel with sniper cover from what is presumably the Kolkata. The full pirate crew of 35 surrender to the MARCOS as they sweep and santize the ship, rescuing the Ruen's crew of 17.

Although this is a sterling example of a successful operation, there is yet more work to do. The Ruen is suspected by the European Union's combined Naval force of having been used as a mother ship for a takeover of a Bangladeshi vessel shortly before her rescue, shown here.

About the Author

Cole Simms

Cole Simms is an Air Guardsman, NASA enthusiast, police officer, and security contractor with particular experience in austere environments. Outside of work, he volunteers as a Stop The Bleed instructor for area schools. He holds a Bachelor's Degree in Homeland Security and Emergency Management, and blends his knowledge and experience to write analysis for Funker530.

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