EU Naval Forces Free Crew Following Somalia Piracy Incident on Oil Tanker
European Union naval forces have successfully rescued 24 sailors from a Malta-registered oil tanker that was attacked by pirates off the coast of Somalia.
The Hellas Aphrodite, which was carrying fuel from India to South African destinations, was seized on Thursday when heavily armed attackers began shooting with automatic weapons and rocket-propelled grenades before taking control of the ship.
All sailors locked themselves inside a fortified citadel while the pirates took control of the marine transport.
Mission Accomplished
A Spanish warship, functioning under the European Union's maritime security operation, arrived at the tanker on Friday afternoon. Elite military units entered the craft and discovered all 24 crew members unharmed.
"The crew is secure and no injuries have been documented. During the ordeal, they remained in the citadel in direct contact with command center," authorities stated, noting that a "demonstration of power" had convinced the attackers to leave the ship before the warship arrived.
Continuing Danger
Authorities emphasized that the danger level in the area "remains critical" as the pirates are continue to be in the vicinity.
The mission involved a helicopter, unmanned aerial vehicle and reconnaissance plane. Just hours earlier, a different vessel in the same area was approached by a fast boat but managed to evade it.
Resurgence of Piracy
This incident represents the latest in a series of attacks that have created concern about a renewal of maritime crime in the area.
Such activity had decreased when international naval patrols and security measures were introduced after peaking more than a ten years past.
However, assaults by militant groups on ships in the Red Sea, which have been carried out for the recent period, have led vessels to be rerouted through East Africa's Indian Ocean - opening up new possibilities for Somali gangs.
Statistical Overview
- Seven reported incidents of piracy occurred off the shoreline of Somalia last year
- Several vessel takeovers were recorded among these incidents
- A single case of maritime crime was noted in the preceding year
Industry professionals continue to monitor the situation as vessel operators navigate these increasingly dangerous waters.
