EU Naval Forces Free Crew After Somali Piracy Incident on Oil Tanker
European Union maritime units have successfully rescued two dozen crew members from a Malta-registered petroleum vessel that was targeted by sea robbers off the coast of Somalia.
The Hellas Aphrodite, which was carrying petrol from Indian ports to South Africa, was taken over on the recent incident when heavily armed attackers opened fire with machine guns and explosive projectiles before taking control of the vessel.
The crew locked themselves inside a secure safe room while the pirates assumed command of the marine transport.
Successful Rescue Operation
A Spanish warship, functioning under the European Union's maritime security operation, reached the ship on the following day. Special forces boarded the vessel and found all two dozen sailors safe and sound.
"All personnel is secure and no injuries have been documented. During the ordeal, they remained in the secure area in direct contact with command center," officials stated, noting that a "demonstration of power" had convinced the pirates to leave the vessel before the naval unit arrived.
Continuing Danger
Authorities added that the danger level in the area "remains critical" as the armed groups are continue to be in the vicinity.
The mission involved a helicopter, unmanned aerial vehicle and surveillance aircraft. Just hours earlier, another ship in the identical region was approached by a small speedboat but managed to evade it.
Return of Maritime Crime
This incident represents the latest in a series of incidents that have created concern about a resurgence of maritime crime in the area.
Piracy operations had declined when international naval patrols and security measures were introduced after reaching their highest point more than a ten years past.
However, attacks by Yemen's Houthi rebels on ships in the Arabian Sea, which have been carried out for the past two years, have caused ships to be diverted through the African coastline - creating new possibilities for Somali gangs.
Incident Data
- Seven reported incidents of maritime crime took place off the shoreline of Somalia last year
- Three hijackings were recorded among these events
- A single case of maritime crime was reported in the preceding year
Maritime security experts continue to monitor the developments as vessel operators navigate these potentially hazardous shipping lanes.