European Union Maritime Forces Free Crew Following Somali Piracy Incident on Oil Tanker
European Union maritime units have successfully rescued two dozen crew members from a Maltese-flagged petroleum vessel that was attacked by sea robbers off the shoreline of Somali waters.
The vessel, which was transporting fuel from India to South African destinations, was taken over on the recent incident when armed pirates began shooting with automatic weapons and rocket-propelled grenades before boarding the ship.
The crew locked themselves inside a secure safe room while the attackers took control of the ship.
Mission Accomplished
A Spanish warship, functioning under the EU's anti-piracy mission, arrived at the tanker on the following day. Elite military units entered the vessel and discovered all two dozen sailors unharmed.
"The crew is secure and no injuries have been documented. Throughout the incident, they stayed in the citadel in constant communication with the operation," officials stated, noting that a "show of force" had convinced the attackers to leave the ship before the naval unit reached the location.
Continuing Danger
Authorities emphasized that the danger level in the region "continues to be serious" as the pirates are continue to be in the area.
The rescue operation involved a helicopter, unmanned aerial vehicle and reconnaissance plane. Shortly before, a different vessel in the same area was approached by a fast boat but managed to evade it.
Resurgence of Piracy
This incident marks the latest in a series of attacks that have created concern about a resurgence of piracy in the area.
Piracy operations had decreased when global maritime security and protective protocols were introduced after reaching their highest point more than a decade ago.
Nevertheless, attacks by militant groups on ships in the Arabian Sea, which have been carried out for the past two years, have caused vessels to be diverted through the African coastline - creating new possibilities for Somali gangs.
Incident Data
- Multiple piracy cases of piracy occurred off the coast of Somalia in the previous year
- Several vessel takeovers were documented among these events
- Only one incident of piracy was noted in the preceding year
Industry professionals continue to monitor the situation as vessel operators travel through these potentially hazardous shipping lanes.
