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

Christmas town opens in Plovdiv’s central square

Plovdiv will offer concerts, bazaars and an ice park for the Christmas and New Year holidays to its citizens and guests, the municipality has announced. Mayor Kostadin Dimitrov will light the Christmas tree in front of the Plovdiv Municipality..

published on 11/27/25 8:05 AM

Bulgaria faces widespread rain and cooler temperatures

On Thursday, minimum temperatures will range from 3° to 19°C, with eastern areas reaching 15–19°C and Sofia around 6°C. The day will be cloudy with widespread rain. Heavy rainfall is expected in western regions overnight and in central and southern..

published on 11/26/25 7:05 PM

Georg Georgiev: Support for Ukraine and pressure on Russia must continue

“Solutions for achieving peace in Ukraine must be based on fundamental principles of the UN Charter, such as sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity.” This was stated by Bulgarian Foreign Minister Georg Georgiev at the informal video..

published on 11/26/25 6:41 PM