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OFF THE NORTHERN COAST OF SOMALIA, A HIJACKED BULK CARRIER ENDS UP
DETAIL INFORMATION
According to antipiracy task force EUNAVFOR, the Bulgarian bulker that was taken over in the Arabian Sea last Thursday is currently off the coast of Somalia.
The geared bulker Ruen was found, according to a report released by the Indian Navy on Saturday. A warship and a search plane were sent to intercept the ship.
In addition, the EUNAVFOR reported on Sunday that the flagship of EU Operation Atalanta, ESPS Victoria, moved swiftly to rendezvous with the bulker. While on location, the Victoria's immediate goal is to "gain more awareness and evaluate following actions."
The hijackers made no effort to conceal the ship, if that was their intention. Ruen continued to broadcast her position on AIS as of Sunday. The ship was located eight nautical miles off the shore of Abo, a coastal community in the Puntland area of Somalia, according to the signal.
The shipowner claims that the hijacking happened hundreds of miles from any shoreline, in the middle of the Arabian Sea. The position is confirmed by AIS data, which shows that Ruen stopped some 380 nautical miles due east of Socotra, changed directions, and headed directly for the Somali coast.