European Union Naval Forces Free Crew After Somali Pirate Attack on Oil Tanker
European Union maritime units have successfully rescued 24 sailors from a Malta-registered oil tanker that was attacked by pirates off the coast of Somalia.
The vessel, which was carrying fuel from India to South African destinations, was seized on the recent incident when armed pirates opened fire with automatic weapons and explosive projectiles before boarding the vessel.
The crew locked themselves inside a secure safe room while the attackers assumed command of the ship.
Mission Accomplished
A Spanish warship, operating under the European Union's maritime security operation, reached the tanker on the following day. Elite military units boarded the vessel and discovered all 24 crew members unharmed.
"The crew is secure and no harm have been documented. Throughout the ordeal, they remained in the citadel in constant communication with the operation," authorities announced, adding that a "show of force" had prompted the attackers to abandon the vessel before the warship reached the location.
Continuing Danger
Authorities added that the threat risk in the area "remains critical" as the armed groups are continue to be in the vicinity.
The rescue operation involved a aircraft, drone and reconnaissance plane. Just hours earlier, another ship in the identical region was approached by a fast boat but successfully avoided it.
Resurgence of Piracy
This event marks the most recent in a series of incidents that have raised alarms about a resurgence of maritime crime in the region.
Such activity had decreased when international naval patrols and security measures were implemented after peaking more than a decade ago.
Nevertheless, assaults by militant groups on ships in the Arabian Sea, which have been carried out for the recent period, have led ships to be diverted through East Africa's Indian Ocean - creating new possibilities for local pirate groups.
Statistical Overview
- Multiple piracy cases of maritime crime occurred off the shoreline of Somalia last year
- Three hijackings were recorded among these incidents
- A single case of maritime crime was reported in the preceding year
Maritime security experts are closely watching the situation as shipping companies travel through these increasingly dangerous shipping lanes.