European Union Maritime Forces Rescue Crew Following Somalia Piracy Incident on Oil Tanker
European Union naval forces 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 transporting fuel from Indian ports to South Africa, was seized on the recent incident when heavily armed attackers opened fire with automatic weapons and explosive projectiles 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 naval vessel, functioning under the European Union's maritime security operation, arrived at the tanker on Friday afternoon. Elite military units entered the vessel and found all 24 crew members safe and sound.
"All personnel is secure and no harm have been reported. Throughout the ordeal, they stayed in the secure area in direct contact with the operation," authorities announced, adding that a "show of force" had prompted the pirates to abandon the ship before the naval unit arrived.
Ongoing Threat
Authorities added that the danger level in the area "continues to be serious" as the pirates are continue to be in the vicinity.
The mission utilized a aircraft, drone and reconnaissance plane. Shortly before, another ship in the same area was approached by a fast boat but successfully avoided it.
Resurgence of Piracy
This event marks the most recent in a series of attacks that have created concern about a renewal of piracy in the area.
Such activity had decreased when international naval patrols and protective protocols were implemented after peaking more than a ten years past.
However, assaults by militant groups on ships in the Red Sea, which have been conducted for the past two years, have led ships to be diverted through the African coastline - opening up new opportunities for local pirate groups.
Statistical Overview
- Multiple piracy cases of piracy occurred off the coast of the Somali region last year
- Three hijackings were recorded among these events
- Only one incident of maritime crime was noted in the preceding year
Maritime security experts continue to monitor the situation as vessel operators travel through these potentially hazardous waters.
