European Union Naval Forces Rescue Sailors After Somali Pirate Attack on Oil Tanker
European Union maritime units have successfully rescued two dozen crew members from a Maltese-flagged petroleum vessel that was targeted by sea robbers off the coast of Somali waters.
The Hellas Aphrodite, which was transporting fuel from Indian ports to South Africa, was taken over on Thursday when armed pirates opened fire with machine guns and rocket-propelled grenades before boarding the ship.
The crew secured themselves inside a secure safe room while the attackers took control of the marine transport.
Successful Rescue Operation
A naval vessel, operating under the European Union's maritime security operation, arrived at the tanker on Friday afternoon. Elite military units boarded the vessel and found all two dozen sailors unharmed.
"The crew is secure and no injuries have been reported. During the incident, they remained in the secure area in constant communication with the operation," officials announced, adding that a "show of force" had prompted the attackers to leave the ship before the warship reached the location.
Continuing Danger
Officials added that the threat risk in the region "continues to be serious" as the pirates are continue to be in the vicinity.
The rescue operation utilized a aircraft, unmanned aerial vehicle and reconnaissance plane. Shortly before, another ship in the identical region was approached by a fast boat but managed to evade it.
Return of Maritime Crime
This incident represents the most recent in a spate of incidents that have created concern about a renewal of piracy in the region.
Piracy operations had declined when global maritime security and security measures were introduced after reaching their highest point more than a decade ago.
Nevertheless, assaults by Yemen's Houthi rebels on vessels in the Red Sea, which have been carried out for the past two years, have led vessels to be rerouted through the African coastline - creating new opportunities for local pirate groups.
Statistical Overview
- Multiple piracy cases of piracy took place off the coast of the Somali region last year
- Several vessel takeovers were documented among these events
- A single case of piracy was reported in the preceding year
Maritime security experts continue to monitor the developments as shipping companies navigate these potentially hazardous shipping lanes.
