EU Maritime Forces Rescue Sailors Following Somalia Pirate Attack on Oil Tanker
EU naval forces have successfully rescued 24 sailors from a Maltese-flagged oil tanker that was targeted by sea robbers off the coast of Somali waters.
The vessel, which was carrying fuel from Indian ports to South Africa, was taken over on the recent incident when armed pirates began shooting with machine guns and rocket-propelled grenades before boarding the ship.
All sailors secured themselves inside a fortified citadel 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 ship on the following day. Special forces boarded the vessel and found all two dozen sailors unharmed.
"All personnel is secure and no injuries have been documented. During the incident, they remained in the citadel in constant communication with the operation," authorities announced, noting that a "show of force" had convinced the pirates to abandon the ship before the warship reached the location.
Continuing Danger
Officials emphasized that the danger level in the region "remains critical" as the pirates are continue to be in the vicinity.
The mission involved a helicopter, drone and surveillance aircraft. Shortly before, another ship in the identical region was approached by a small speedboat but successfully avoided it.
Return of Maritime Crime
This event marks the latest in a series of attacks that have created concern about a renewal of piracy in the area.
Such activity had declined when global maritime security and protective protocols were introduced after reaching their highest point more than a decade ago.
However, attacks by Yemen's Houthi rebels on ships in the Red Sea, which have been conducted for the past two years, have led vessels to be diverted through the African coastline - creating new possibilities for local pirate groups.
Incident Data
- Seven reported incidents of piracy took place off the shoreline of the Somali region last year
- Three hijackings were recorded among these incidents
- A single case of piracy was noted in the preceding year
Industry professionals continue to monitor the situation as vessel operators travel through these increasingly dangerous shipping lanes.