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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

published on 3/17/24 9:35 AM

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.

Indian navy warship calls on Somali pirates onboard Ruen cargo ship to surrender

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.

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Radio Bulgaria News bulk carrier freed ship somali pirates the ruen

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