European Union Maritime Forces Free Sailors After Somalia Pirate Attack on Oil Tanker
European Union maritime units have successfully rescued 24 sailors from a Maltese-flagged petroleum vessel that was targeted by pirates off the coast of Somali waters.
The Hellas Aphrodite, which was carrying petrol from India to South Africa, was seized on Thursday when heavily armed attackers began shooting with automatic weapons and explosive projectiles before taking control of the ship.
The crew secured themselves inside a secure safe room while the pirates assumed command of the marine transport.
Successful Rescue Operation
A Spanish warship, operating under the EU's anti-piracy mission, arrived at the tanker on Friday afternoon. Elite military units boarded the craft and discovered all 24 crew members safe and sound.
"All personnel is safe and no injuries have been documented. During the ordeal, they remained in the secure area in direct contact with the operation," officials stated, adding that a "demonstration of power" had convinced the attackers to leave the ship before the warship arrived.
Continuing Danger
Officials added that the threat risk in the area "remains critical" as the pirates are continue to be in the area.
The mission involved a aircraft, drone and reconnaissance plane. Shortly before, a different vessel in the same area was approached by a fast boat but managed to evade it.
Return of Maritime Crime
This event represents the latest in a series of attacks that have created concern about a resurgence of maritime crime in the area.
Such activity had declined when international naval patrols and protective protocols were implemented after peaking more than a ten years past.
Nevertheless, attacks by Yemen's Houthi rebels on vessels in the Red Sea, which have been carried out for the past two years, have led ships to be rerouted through the African coastline - opening up new opportunities for Somali gangs.
Statistical Overview
- Multiple piracy cases of maritime crime took place off the coast of the Somali region in the previous year
- Several vessel takeovers were recorded among these incidents
- A single case of piracy was reported in the preceding year
Industry professionals continue to monitor the situation as shipping companies navigate these potentially hazardous shipping lanes.