European Union Naval Forces Free Crew After Somali Pirate Attack on Oil Tanker
EU maritime units have successfully rescued 24 sailors from a Malta-registered oil tanker that was targeted by pirates off the coast of Somali waters.
The vessel, which was transporting petrol from Indian ports to South African destinations, was taken over on the recent incident when heavily armed attackers began shooting with automatic weapons and rocket-propelled grenades before taking control of the ship.
The crew locked themselves inside a secure safe room while the attackers assumed command of the marine transport.
Mission Accomplished
A Spanish warship, operating under the European Union's maritime security operation, reached the ship on Friday afternoon. Special forces boarded the vessel and found all 24 crew members unharmed.
"All personnel is secure and no injuries have been documented. Throughout the ordeal, they remained in the secure area in constant communication with the operation," authorities announced, noting that a "demonstration of power" had prompted the attackers to leave the vessel before the warship reached the location.
Continuing Danger
Officials added that the threat risk in the area "continues to be serious" as the pirates are continue to be in the vicinity.
The rescue operation utilized a helicopter, unmanned aerial vehicle and surveillance aircraft. Shortly before, a different vessel in the same area was approached by a small speedboat but successfully avoided it.
Resurgence of Piracy
This incident represents the most recent in a spate of attacks that have created concern about a renewal of piracy in the region.
Piracy operations had declined when international naval patrols and protective protocols were implemented after peaking more than a decade ago.
However, assaults by Yemen's Houthi rebels on vessels in the Arabian Sea, which have been carried out for the recent period, have led vessels to be rerouted through the African coastline - creating new possibilities for Somali gangs.
Incident Data
- Multiple piracy cases of piracy took place off the shoreline of the Somali region last year
- Three hijackings were documented among these incidents
- A single case of maritime crime was reported in the preceding year
Maritime security experts continue to monitor the developments as shipping companies navigate these potentially hazardous waters.
