Podcast in English
Text size
Bulgarian National Radio © 2025 All Rights Reserved

7 Bulgarian sailors freed from Somali pirates, after Indian military operation rescues the Ruen

All 17 crew members of the bulk carrier are safe and in good health

The Ruen
Photo: bntnews.bg

All 17 sailors of different nationalities on board the hijacked Bulgarian bulk carrier Ruen are in good health, Deputy Prime Minister Mariya Gabriel told an emergency briefing at the Foreign Office. The crew, seven of whom are Bulgarian, were transferred to the Indian warship that captured the Ruen from its hijackers. The ship was abducted by Somali pirates on 14 December 2023. 
Minister Gabriel thanked the Indian authorities for their help throughout the release process. She also thanked Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani, with whom the Foreign Office has been in constant contact. 

The Foreign Ministry also said that it was actively working for the release of the kidnapped Bulgarians from the crew of the Galaxy Leader, which was hijacked by the Yemeni Houthis in the Red Sea on 19 November 2023.






Последвайте ни и в Google News Showcase, за да научите най-важното от деня!
Listen to the daily news from Bulgaria presented in "Bulgaria Today" podcast, available in Spotify.

More from category

Government resumes talks with unions and employers after freezing the 2026 budget

'The dialogue between employers and trade unions has been restored. Consultations will begin tomorrow at the Ministry of Finance to iron out all the details. The state is committed to supporting every Bulgarian citizen.' This was written by GERB leader..

published on 11/27/25 2:55 PM

NSI: Bulgarians' international travel increased 15% last year

Bulgarian citizens traveled abroad 829,300 times in October, which is 15% more than in October 2024 , according to the National Statistical Institute. The most popular destinations were Turkey, Greece, Serbia, Romania, Germany, North Macedonia,..

published on 11/27/25 2:39 PM

State-owned enterprises to combat corruption through an integrity officer

The National Assembly has introduced a new requirement for state-owned enterprises to implement corruption risk management systems, which will also include appointing an integrity officer. The measure is recommended by the Organisation for Economic..

published on 11/27/25 1:30 PM