EU Naval Forces Free Crew After Somalia Pirate Attack on Vessel
EU naval forces have successfully rescued 24 sailors from a Malta-registered oil tanker that was attacked by sea robbers off the shoreline of Somalia.
The vessel, which was carrying petrol from Indian ports to South Africa, was seized on Thursday when heavily armed attackers began shooting with automatic weapons and explosive projectiles before taking control of the vessel.
All sailors secured themselves inside a secure safe room while the attackers took control of the ship.
Successful Rescue Operation
A Spanish warship, operating under the European Union's maritime security operation, arrived at the ship on the following day. Elite military units boarded the vessel and found all 24 crew members safe and sound.
"All personnel is safe and no injuries have been documented. Throughout the ordeal, they remained in the citadel in direct contact with command center," officials stated, adding that a "show of force" had prompted the pirates to leave the vessel before the naval unit reached the location.
Continuing Danger
Officials added that the threat risk in the area "continues to be serious" as the armed groups are continue to be in the vicinity.
The rescue operation involved a aircraft, drone and surveillance aircraft. Shortly before, a different vessel in the same area was targeted by a fast boat but managed to evade it.
Return of Maritime Crime
This incident marks the most recent in a series of attacks that have created concern about a resurgence of piracy in the region.
Such activity had declined when international naval patrols and protective protocols were implemented after peaking more than a ten years past.
Nevertheless, attacks by militant groups on vessels in the Red Sea, which have been carried out for the past two years, have led vessels to be rerouted through the African coastline - opening up new opportunities for local pirate groups.
Incident Data
- Seven reported incidents of maritime crime occurred off the shoreline of the Somali region in the previous year
- Several vessel takeovers were documented among these incidents
- A single case of piracy was noted in the preceding year
Maritime security experts continue to monitor the developments as vessel operators navigate these potentially hazardous shipping lanes.
