European Union Maritime Forces Rescue Sailors After Somali Piracy Incident on Vessel
European Union naval forces have safely freed 24 sailors from a Malta-registered petroleum vessel that was targeted by sea robbers off the coast of Somalia.
The vessel, which was transporting petrol from Indian ports to South African destinations, was seized on the recent incident when heavily armed attackers opened fire with automatic weapons and rocket-propelled grenades before taking control of the vessel.
The crew secured themselves inside a secure safe room while the pirates assumed command of the marine transport.
Mission Accomplished
A naval vessel, operating under the EU's anti-piracy mission, arrived at the tanker on the following day. Special forces entered the craft and discovered all two dozen sailors unharmed.
"The crew is safe and no harm have been reported. Throughout the ordeal, they stayed in the citadel in direct contact with command center," authorities stated, noting that a "show of force" had prompted the attackers to abandon the vessel before the warship reached the location.
Continuing Danger
Officials emphasized that the danger level in the area "continues to be serious" as the armed groups are continue to be in the vicinity.
The rescue operation utilized a helicopter, unmanned aerial vehicle and surveillance aircraft. Just hours earlier, another ship in the same area was approached by a fast boat but successfully avoided it.
Resurgence of Piracy
This incident marks 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 protective protocols were introduced after reaching their highest point more than a decade ago.
Nevertheless, attacks by militant groups on ships in the Red Sea, which have been carried out for the past two years, have caused vessels to be diverted through the African coastline - opening up new possibilities for Somali gangs.
Incident Data
- Multiple piracy cases of piracy occurred off the coast of Somalia last year
- Three hijackings were recorded among these events
- A single case of piracy was noted in the preceding year
Maritime security experts are closely watching the situation as vessel operators travel through these potentially hazardous waters.
