🔗 Share this article European Union Naval Forces Rescue Sailors After Somalia Piracy Incident on Oil Tanker The Hellas Aphrodite was seized by pirates on recently European Union naval forces have safely freed two dozen crew members from a Maltese-flagged petroleum vessel that was targeted by pirates off the coast of Somalia. The vessel, which was transporting petrol from India to South Africa, was seized on Thursday when heavily armed attackers began shooting with machine guns and explosive projectiles before boarding the vessel. The crew secured themselves inside a secure safe room while the attackers took control of the marine transport. Successful Rescue Operation A Spanish warship, functioning under the EU's anti-piracy mission, arrived at the ship on the following day. Special forces boarded the vessel and discovered all 24 crew members unharmed. "The crew is safe and no harm have been documented. Throughout the incident, they stayed in the citadel in constant communication with command center," officials stated, noting that a "show of force" had convinced the attackers to abandon the ship before the naval unit arrived. Ongoing Threat Authorities emphasized that the threat risk in the area "continues to be serious" as the armed groups are continue to be in the area. The rescue operation involved a helicopter, drone and reconnaissance plane. Shortly before, another ship in the identical region was targeted by a fast boat but managed to evade it. Return of Maritime Crime This event marks the latest in a spate of incidents that have created concern about a resurgence of piracy in the region. Piracy operations had decreased when international naval patrols and security measures were introduced after reaching their highest point more than a decade ago. Nevertheless, attacks by Yemen's Houthi rebels on vessels in the Red Sea, which have been conducted for the past two years, have caused ships to be diverted through East Africa's Indian Ocean - opening up new opportunities for local pirate groups. Statistical Overview Seven reported incidents of maritime crime took place off the coast of the Somali region last year Three hijackings were recorded among these incidents A single case of maritime crime was noted in 2023 Maritime security experts continue to monitor the situation as shipping companies travel through these increasingly dangerous waters.