European Union Naval Forces Free Crew After Somalia Pirate Attack on Vessel
European Union naval forces have successfully rescued 24 sailors from a Maltese-flagged petroleum vessel that was attacked by pirates off the coast of Somali waters.
The vessel, which was carrying fuel from Indian ports to South Africa, was taken over on the recent incident when armed pirates opened fire with machine guns and rocket-propelled grenades before taking control of the ship.
All sailors secured themselves inside a secure safe room while the pirates assumed command 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 24 crew members unharmed.
"All personnel is secure and no injuries have been documented. Throughout the incident, they remained in the secure area in constant communication with command center," authorities stated, adding that a "show of force" had prompted the pirates to leave the vessel before the warship reached the location.
Continuing Danger
Officials emphasized that the threat risk in the region "continues to be serious" as the armed groups are continue to be in the area.
The mission utilized a helicopter, drone and surveillance aircraft. Shortly before, another ship in the same area was approached by a small speedboat but managed to evade it.
Resurgence of Piracy
This incident marks the latest in a series of incidents that have created concern about a resurgence of maritime crime in the area.
Piracy operations had decreased when international naval patrols and security measures were implemented after reaching their highest point more than a ten years past.
However, attacks by Yemen's Houthi rebels on vessels in the Arabian Sea, which have been conducted for the recent period, have led ships to be rerouted through East Africa's Indian Ocean - opening up new opportunities for local pirate groups.
Incident Data
- Seven reported incidents of piracy occurred off the coast of the Somali region in the previous year
- Several vessel takeovers 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 increasingly dangerous waters.
