🔗 Share this article EU Maritime Forces Rescue Sailors After Somalia Pirate Attack on Vessel The Maltese-flagged tanker was seized by armed attackers on Thursday European Union maritime units have safely freed 24 sailors from a Maltese-flagged petroleum vessel that was attacked by sea robbers off the shoreline of Somalia. The Hellas Aphrodite, which was carrying fuel from Indian ports to South Africa, was seized on Thursday when armed pirates opened fire with machine guns and explosive projectiles before boarding the vessel. The crew secured themselves inside a secure safe room while the pirates assumed command of the ship. Mission Accomplished A Spanish warship, functioning under the European Union's maritime security operation, reached the tanker on the following day. Special forces boarded the craft and discovered all two dozen sailors safe and sound. "All personnel is safe and no harm have been reported. During the incident, they stayed in the secure area in direct contact with the operation," officials stated, adding that a "show of force" had prompted the pirates to leave the ship before the naval unit reached the location. Ongoing Threat Authorities emphasized that the danger level in the area "continues to be serious" as the armed groups are continue to be in the area. The mission involved a aircraft, unmanned aerial vehicle and surveillance aircraft. Shortly before, a different vessel in the same area was approached by a small speedboat but successfully avoided it. Return of Maritime Crime This event represents the most recent in a spate of incidents that have created concern about a resurgence of maritime crime in the area. Piracy operations had decreased when global maritime security and security measures were introduced after peaking more than a decade ago. However, assaults by militant groups on vessels in the Arabian Sea, which have been conducted for the recent period, have caused ships to be diverted through the African coastline - opening up new possibilities for Somali gangs. Statistical Overview Seven reported incidents of piracy occurred off the shoreline of the Somali region in the previous year Three hijackings were documented among these events Only one incident of maritime crime was reported in 2023 Maritime security experts continue to monitor the developments as shipping companies navigate these potentially hazardous shipping lanes.