EU Maritime Forces Free Crew After Somali Pirate Attack on Vessel
European Union naval forces have safely freed two dozen crew members from a Malta-registered oil tanker that was targeted by pirates off the coast of Somali waters.
The Hellas Aphrodite, which was carrying fuel from India to South Africa, was taken over on Thursday when heavily armed attackers began shooting with automatic weapons and rocket-propelled grenades before taking control of the ship.
All sailors secured themselves inside a secure safe room while the attackers assumed command of the ship.
Mission Accomplished
A Spanish warship, functioning under the European Union's maritime security operation, arrived at the tanker on the following day. Special forces entered the vessel and found all 24 crew members unharmed.
"The crew is secure and no injuries have been reported. Throughout the ordeal, they stayed in the secure area in direct contact with the operation," authorities stated, adding that a "demonstration of power" had prompted the attackers to leave the ship before the warship arrived.
Ongoing Threat
Officials added that the danger level in the region "remains critical" as the armed groups are continue to be in the area.
The rescue operation utilized a aircraft, drone and surveillance aircraft. Shortly before, a different vessel in the same area was approached by a fast boat but successfully avoided it.
Resurgence of Piracy
This event marks the most recent in a spate of attacks that have raised alarms about a renewal of maritime crime in the region.
Such activity had decreased when international naval patrols and protective protocols were introduced after reaching their highest point more than a decade ago.
However, attacks by militant groups on vessels in the Red Sea, which have been conducted for the past two years, have led ships to be rerouted through the African coastline - opening up new opportunities for Somali gangs.
Incident Data
- Seven reported incidents of piracy occurred off the shoreline of the Somali region last year
- Several vessel takeovers were recorded among these events
- Only one incident of piracy was reported in 2023
Industry professionals are closely watching the situation as vessel operators navigate these potentially hazardous shipping lanes.
