The Indian Navy is closely monitoring a developing hijack situation of a ship which appears to now be heading to the coastline of Somalia. The Indian warship responded to a distress call from the cargo carrier MV Ruen, a Maltese vessel in the Arabian Sea.

An Indian Naval Maritime Patrol Aircraft and warship on Anti Piracy patrol has been immediately diverted.

“The vessel, with 18 crew onboard, had sent a Mayday message on UKMTO portal, PM 14 Dec 23, indicating boarding by approx six unknown personnel. Responding swiftly to the developing situation, Indian Navy diverted its Naval Maritime Patrol aircraft undertaking surveillance in the area and its warship on Anti Piracy patrol in the Gulf Aden to locate & assist MV Ruen,” Indian Navy said in a statement.

A Navy warship has intercepted the hijacked vessel and is closely monitoring its movement.

“The Indian Navy remains committed to being a first responder in the region and ensuring safety of merchant shipping, along with international partners and friendly foreign countries,” the statement said.

#IndianNavy‘s Mission Deployed platforms respond to #hijacking in the #ArabianSea#MayDay msg from Malta Flagged Vessel MV Ruen on @UK_MTO portal – boarding by unknown personnel

Indian Naval Maritime Patrol Aircraft & warship on #AntiPiracy patrol immediately diverted@EUNAVFOR pic.twitter.com/mtXqjytSfF

— SpokespersonNavy (@indiannavy) December 16, 2023

The ship, MV Reun, was heading towards Somalia when it was attacked on Thursday. UK’s Marine Trade Operations said that the crew has lost control of the vessel. 

The capture of the vessel appears to be the first major attack by Somali pirates since 2017, following counter-piracy efforts by several countries stopped such seizures in the Gulf of Aden and Indian Ocean.

The UK Marine body has advised ships to remain on alert while travelling in the Arabian Sea near Somalia as a piracy action group is active in the area.

“Vessels are advised to transit with caution and report any suspicious activity,” the warning said.

A 17-year-old boy was killed in Delhi by six of his friends using knives and bricks, police said. His body was found on Friday morning at a park in South Delhi’s Malviya Nagar.

The boy has been identified as Vivek. One of the accused called Vivek for a drink, and took him to Satpula Park after he was drunk. Five of the accused were waiting in the park and attacked Vivek with two knives and bricks as soon as he entered.

Deputy Commissioner of Police (South) Chandan Choudhary said the body had knife wounds on the face, neck, chest, and stomach.

“A PCR call was received around 7.30 am on Friday regarding the body spotted in Satpula Park. Police reached the spot near Khirki village and found the body carrying injury marks on the stomach, chest, neck, and face. The victim was identified as Vivek, a resident of Indra Camp, Begumpur,” Mr Choudhary said.

Three of the minors have been taken into custody and are being questioned.

During interrogation, they revealed that the plot had been orchestrated by one of them who held a grudge against Vivek. The accused had been beaten by Vivek in a fight a few months ago.

The minor, who had been holding a grudge against Vivek since then, attacked him along with his friends, police said.

Vivek’s family say he lied while leaving the house on Thursday and told them he was going to meet his father. When he did not return, they tried calling his phone several times but it was switched off.

They found out that Vivek has died the next morning when cops came to the house with photos of the body.

Sofia Boutella was candid about her wish to work with a visionary director like Zack Snyder. She revealed that it was one of the dominant reasons that propelled her to star in Rebel Moon and become a part of his cinematic verse.

She shared,  “Honestly, it was the idea of working with Zack. After I sent in my audition tape, I sat with him for three hours and he described his vision for both films from beginning to end. I was thrilled by how excited and knowledgeable he was about this story he’s been writing for 20 years. There wasn’t a single question he left unanswered. I love working with people who love what they’re doing, and Zack is one of them.”

She further shared how Zack Snyder’s incredible ability to seamlessly communicate his vision, his intricate attention to detail and his passion for his craft truly appeal to her. She concluded by saying she admired his willingness to take actors’ opinions and make this a collaborative process, one that made the process of bringing the cosmic realm of Rebel Moon to life even more extraordinary.

Rebel Moon is set to release on December 22, 2023 on OTT.