European Union Naval Forces Rescue Crew Following Somalia Piracy Incident on Oil Tanker
European Union maritime units have safely freed 24 sailors from a Maltese-flagged oil tanker that was targeted by pirates off the shoreline of Somalia.
The Hellas Aphrodite, which was carrying petrol from India to South African destinations, was seized on the recent incident when heavily armed attackers began shooting with machine guns and explosive projectiles before boarding the vessel.
All sailors locked themselves inside a fortified citadel while the attackers took control of the ship.
Successful Rescue Operation
A naval vessel, functioning under the EU's anti-piracy mission, reached the ship on Friday afternoon. Special forces entered the vessel and discovered all 24 crew members unharmed.
"All personnel is safe and no harm have been documented. During the ordeal, they stayed in the secure area in constant communication with command center," authorities announced, noting that a "show of force" had convinced the attackers to abandon the ship before the naval unit reached the location.
Ongoing Threat
Authorities added that the danger level in the area "remains critical" as the armed groups are continue to be in the vicinity.
The mission utilized a helicopter, drone and reconnaissance plane. Shortly before, a different vessel in the same area was approached by a small speedboat but successfully avoided it.
Return of Maritime Crime
This incident marks the latest in a series of incidents that have created concern about a renewal of piracy in the area.
Piracy operations had declined when international naval patrols and protective protocols were implemented after reaching their highest point more than a decade ago.
However, attacks by Yemen's Houthi rebels on vessels in the Red Sea, which have been carried out for the recent period, have caused vessels to be diverted through East Africa's Indian Ocean - creating new possibilities for local pirate groups.
Incident Data
- Seven reported incidents of maritime crime took place off the shoreline of Somalia last year
- Several vessel takeovers were documented among these incidents
- Only one incident of maritime crime was noted in the preceding year
Maritime security experts are closely watching the situation as vessel operators navigate these increasingly dangerous shipping lanes.