EU Naval Forces Free Crew Following Somali Piracy Incident on Oil Tanker
European Union naval forces have successfully rescued 24 sailors from a Maltese-flagged petroleum vessel that was targeted by pirates off the shoreline of Somalia.
The vessel, which was carrying fuel from Indian ports to South Africa, was seized on the recent incident when heavily armed attackers opened fire with machine guns and explosive projectiles before boarding the vessel.
The crew locked themselves inside a secure safe room while the attackers assumed command of the ship.
Successful Rescue Operation
A Spanish warship, functioning under the EU's anti-piracy mission, arrived at the tanker on the following day. Elite military units boarded the vessel and found all two dozen sailors unharmed.
"All personnel is safe and no injuries have been documented. During the incident, they remained in the secure area in direct contact with command center," officials stated, noting that a "show of force" had convinced the attackers to abandon the vessel before the warship arrived.
Continuing Danger
Authorities 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 involved a aircraft, drone and surveillance aircraft. Just hours earlier, another ship in the same area was targeted by a small speedboat but managed to evade it.
Resurgence of Piracy
This event represents the most recent in a series of incidents that have created concern about a resurgence of piracy in the region.
Such activity had declined when international naval patrols and security measures were introduced after reaching their highest point more than a decade ago.
Nevertheless, attacks by Yemen's Houthi rebels on vessels in the Arabian Sea, which have been conducted for the recent period, have led vessels to be diverted through the African coastline - opening up new possibilities for Somali gangs.
Incident Data
- Seven reported incidents of piracy took place off the shoreline of Somalia last year
- Several vessel takeovers were documented among these incidents
- A single case of maritime crime was reported in the preceding year
Maritime security experts are closely watching the developments as shipping companies travel through these potentially hazardous shipping lanes.
