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

No timeline yet for remaining U.S. F-16 deliveries to Bulgaria, Defence Minister says

Bulgaria has no confirmed delivery schedule for the remaining six F-16 Block 70 fighter jets it has ordered from the United States , Defence Minister Atanas Zapryanov said in a written response to MP Ivaylo Mirchev. According to the minister, the..

published on 8/8/25 5:55 PM

Bulgaria ranks among Europe's top three for healthy life expectancy – Eurostat

Bulgaria ranks third among 30 European countries for healthy life expectancy, according to 2023 data from Eurostat. On average, Bulgarians spend 68.6 years in good health, trailing only Malta and Italy. Bulgarian women rank second, with a healthy..

published on 8/8/25 5:45 PM
Photo: Executive Agency for Bulgarians Abroad, archive

Programme in aid of persons wishing to settle in Bulgaria takes another step forward

The National Employment Agency is applying with the I Choose Bulgaria initiative under the Programme of Human Resources Development, the aim of the operation being to create conditions and incentives for the permanent settlement in Bulgaria of..

published on 8/8/25 4:52 PM