EU Maritime Forces Rescue Crew Following Somali Pirate Attack on Vessel
EU maritime units have successfully rescued 24 sailors from a Malta-registered petroleum vessel that was targeted by sea robbers off the coast of Somalia.
The vessel, which was carrying petrol from India to South Africa, was taken over on Thursday when heavily armed attackers opened fire with automatic weapons and rocket-propelled grenades before taking control of the ship.
The crew locked themselves inside a secure safe room while the pirates took control of the ship.
Mission Accomplished
A naval vessel, operating under the European Union's maritime security operation, reached the tanker on Friday afternoon. Special forces entered the craft and discovered all two dozen sailors safe and sound.
"The crew is secure and no harm have been reported. Throughout the ordeal, they stayed in the citadel in constant communication with the operation," officials announced, noting that a "demonstration of power" had prompted the attackers to leave the vessel before the naval unit reached the location.
Ongoing Threat
Authorities emphasized that the threat risk in the region "continues to be serious" as the pirates are continue to be in the vicinity.
The mission utilized a helicopter, drone and reconnaissance plane. Just hours earlier, another ship in the identical region was approached by a fast boat but successfully avoided it.
Return of Maritime Crime
This incident represents the latest in a spate of attacks that have created concern about a renewal of maritime crime in the area.
Such activity had decreased when global maritime security and security measures were implemented after reaching their highest point more than a ten years past.
However, attacks by militant groups on ships in the Red Sea, which have been carried out for the past two years, have caused ships to be rerouted through the African coastline - creating new possibilities for Somali gangs.
Statistical Overview
- Seven reported incidents of maritime crime took place off the shoreline of Somalia last year
- Several vessel takeovers were documented among these events
- A single case of piracy was reported in the preceding year
Maritime security experts are closely watching the situation as shipping companies navigate these increasingly dangerous waters.
