European Union Naval Forces Rescue Crew After Somali Pirate Attack on Oil Tanker
EU naval forces have safely freed two dozen crew members from a Maltese-flagged petroleum vessel that was attacked by pirates off the shoreline of Somalia.
The vessel, which was carrying petrol from India to South African destinations, was seized on the recent incident when armed pirates began shooting with automatic weapons and rocket-propelled grenades before taking control of the ship.
All sailors locked themselves inside a secure safe room while the attackers assumed command of the marine transport.
Mission Accomplished
A naval vessel, functioning under the EU's anti-piracy mission, arrived at the ship on the following day. Special forces entered the craft and found all 24 crew members unharmed.
"All personnel is safe and no harm have been reported. Throughout the ordeal, they remained in the citadel in constant communication with the operation," authorities stated, noting that a "show of force" had convinced the pirates to leave the ship before the warship arrived.
Ongoing Threat
Authorities added that the danger level in the area "remains critical" as the pirates are continue to be in the vicinity.
The mission involved a aircraft, drone and surveillance aircraft. Shortly before, another ship in the identical region was approached by a fast boat but managed to evade it.
Resurgence of Piracy
This event marks the latest in a series of attacks that have raised alarms about a resurgence of maritime crime in the area.
Piracy operations had declined when global maritime security and protective protocols were implemented after peaking more than a decade ago.
However, 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
- Multiple piracy cases of piracy occurred off the coast of Somalia in the previous year
- Several vessel takeovers were documented among these incidents
- A single case of piracy was reported in the preceding year
Industry professionals continue to monitor the developments as vessel operators travel through these potentially hazardous waters.
