EU Naval Forces Rescue Crew Following Somalia Pirate Attack on Oil Tanker
EU maritime units have successfully rescued 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 explosive projectiles before taking control of the vessel.
The crew locked themselves inside a fortified citadel while the pirates took control of the marine transport.
Mission Accomplished
A naval vessel, functioning under the European Union's maritime security operation, reached the ship on the following day. Special forces boarded the vessel and discovered all 24 crew members safe and sound.
"The crew is secure and no harm have been documented. During the ordeal, they remained in the citadel in direct contact with the operation," officials announced, adding that a "demonstration of power" had convinced the attackers to leave the ship before the naval unit arrived.
Ongoing Threat
Authorities added that the danger level in the area "continues to be serious" as the armed groups are continue to be in the vicinity.
The mission utilized a helicopter, drone and reconnaissance plane. Shortly before, another ship in the same area was targeted by a small speedboat but successfully avoided it.
Return of Maritime Crime
This incident marks the latest in a spate of attacks that have created concern about a resurgence of maritime crime in the area.
Piracy operations had decreased when global maritime security and protective protocols were introduced after peaking more than a decade ago.
However, assaults by militant groups on vessels in the Red Sea, which have been carried out for the past two years, have caused ships to be rerouted through the African coastline - opening up new opportunities for Somali gangs.
Statistical Overview
- Multiple piracy cases of piracy took place off the shoreline of Somalia in the previous year
- Three hijackings were documented among these incidents
- Only one incident of piracy was noted in the preceding year
Maritime security experts are closely watching the developments as shipping companies navigate these potentially hazardous waters.
