EU Naval Forces Free Sailors Following Somali Pirate Attack on Vessel
European Union maritime units have safely freed 24 sailors from a Maltese-flagged oil tanker that was targeted by pirates off the coast of Somali waters.
The vessel, which was carrying petrol from Indian ports to South African destinations, was taken over on the recent incident when heavily armed attackers opened fire with automatic weapons and explosive projectiles before boarding the vessel.
The crew secured themselves inside a secure safe room while the pirates assumed command of the marine transport.
Mission Accomplished
A Spanish warship, operating under the European Union's maritime security operation, reached the ship on the following day. Special forces entered the vessel and found all 24 crew members unharmed.
"All personnel is secure and no injuries have been reported. Throughout the ordeal, they remained in the secure area in constant communication with the operation," officials announced, noting that a "show of force" had prompted the pirates to leave the vessel before the warship reached the location.
Ongoing Threat
Authorities added that the danger level in the area "continues to be serious" as the armed groups are still in the area.
The mission involved a aircraft, unmanned aerial vehicle and reconnaissance plane. Shortly before, another ship in the identical region was targeted by a small speedboat but successfully avoided it.
Resurgence of Piracy
This incident marks the most recent in a spate of attacks that have raised alarms about a renewal of maritime crime in the area.
Such activity had declined when international naval patrols and security measures were introduced after peaking more than a decade ago.
Nevertheless, attacks by militant groups on ships in the Arabian Sea, which have been carried out for the recent period, have led ships to be diverted through the African coastline - opening up new opportunities for Somali gangs.
Statistical Overview
- Multiple piracy cases of piracy occurred off the shoreline of Somalia in the previous year
- Three hijackings were recorded among these events
- A single case of piracy was reported in the preceding year
Industry professionals are closely watching the situation as shipping companies navigate these potentially hazardous waters.
