EU Naval Forces Rescue Crew Following Somali Piracy Incident on Vessel
European Union naval forces have successfully rescued 24 sailors from a Maltese-flagged petroleum vessel that was targeted by pirates off the shoreline of Somalia.
The Hellas Aphrodite, which was transporting petrol from Indian ports to South Africa, was seized on Thursday when armed pirates began shooting with machine guns and rocket-propelled grenades before boarding the ship.
The crew locked themselves inside a secure safe room while the pirates took control of the ship.
Mission Accomplished
A Spanish warship, functioning under the EU's anti-piracy mission, arrived at the tanker on the following day. Special forces boarded the vessel and found all 24 crew members unharmed.
"The crew is secure and no injuries have been reported. Throughout the incident, they stayed in the citadel in constant communication with command center," authorities stated, adding that a "show of force" had convinced the attackers to abandon the ship before the warship arrived.
Ongoing Threat
Officials added that the danger level in the region "continues to be serious" 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 identical region was approached by a fast boat but successfully avoided it.
Return of Maritime Crime
This event marks the latest in a spate of incidents that have created concern about a resurgence of maritime crime in the region.
Piracy operations had declined when global maritime security and security measures were implemented after reaching their highest point more than a decade ago.
Nevertheless, assaults by militant groups on vessels in the Arabian Sea, which have been carried out for the recent period, have caused ships to be diverted through the African coastline - opening up new opportunities for local pirate groups.
Statistical Overview
- Seven reported incidents of piracy took place off the coast of Somalia in the previous year
- Several vessel takeovers were recorded among these incidents
- Only one incident of piracy was noted in the preceding year
Industry professionals are closely watching the developments as vessel operators travel through these increasingly dangerous shipping lanes.
