European Union Maritime Forces Free Crew Following Somali Pirate Attack on Vessel
EU naval forces have successfully rescued 24 sailors from a Malta-registered petroleum vessel that was attacked by pirates off the shoreline of Somali waters.
The vessel, which was carrying petrol from India to South African destinations, was seized on Thursday when armed pirates opened fire with automatic weapons and explosive projectiles before boarding the ship.
The crew locked themselves inside a secure safe room while the attackers took control of the marine transport.
Mission Accomplished
A naval vessel, operating under the EU's anti-piracy mission, reached the tanker on Friday afternoon. Special forces entered the vessel and discovered all 24 crew members unharmed.
"The crew is secure and no injuries have been reported. During the ordeal, they stayed in the secure area in constant communication with command center," officials announced, adding that a "show of force" had convinced the attackers to abandon the vessel before the naval unit reached the location.
Ongoing Threat
Officials added that the danger level in the area "remains critical" as the pirates are continue to be in the area.
The mission involved a helicopter, unmanned aerial vehicle and reconnaissance plane. Shortly before, another ship in the same area was approached by a fast boat but managed to evade it.
Return of Maritime Crime
This incident represents the latest in a spate of attacks that have raised alarms about a resurgence of maritime crime in the area.
Piracy operations had decreased when global maritime security and security measures were introduced after reaching their highest point more than a ten years past.
Nevertheless, assaults by militant groups on ships in the Arabian Sea, which have been conducted for the recent period, have led ships to be rerouted through the African coastline - creating new possibilities for local pirate groups.
Statistical Overview
- Seven reported incidents of piracy occurred off the coast of the Somali region in the previous year
- Several vessel takeovers were recorded among these incidents
- A single case of maritime crime was reported in the preceding year
Maritime security experts are closely watching the situation as vessel operators navigate these potentially hazardous shipping lanes.
