EU Maritime Forces Free Crew After Somalia Pirate Attack on Vessel
EU maritime units have successfully rescued 24 sailors from a Malta-registered petroleum vessel that was attacked by sea robbers off the coast of Somali waters.
The vessel, which was transporting petrol from Indian ports to South Africa, was seized on Thursday when heavily armed attackers began shooting with automatic weapons and explosive projectiles before boarding the ship.
All sailors locked themselves inside a secure safe room while the attackers took control of the ship.
Mission Accomplished
A Spanish warship, operating under the European Union's maritime security operation, reached the ship on Friday afternoon. Special forces boarded the craft and discovered all two dozen sailors safe and sound.
"The crew is secure and no injuries have been reported. Throughout the ordeal, they stayed in the citadel in direct contact with command center," officials stated, adding that a "show of force" had convinced the pirates to leave the vessel before the warship reached the location.
Continuing Danger
Officials emphasized that the danger level in the region "continues to be serious" as the pirates are still in the area.
The rescue operation involved a helicopter, unmanned aerial vehicle and surveillance aircraft. Shortly before, a different vessel in the same area was targeted by a fast boat but successfully avoided it.
Resurgence of Piracy
This event marks the latest in a series of attacks that have created concern about a renewal of maritime crime in the area.
Such activity had decreased when international naval patrols and protective protocols were implemented after peaking more than a ten years past.
Nevertheless, assaults by militant groups on ships in the Red Sea, which have been conducted for the past two years, have caused ships to be rerouted through the African coastline - opening up new possibilities for local pirate groups.
Incident Data
- Seven reported incidents of maritime crime occurred off the coast of Somalia in the previous year
- Three hijackings were recorded among these incidents
- Only one incident of piracy was reported in the preceding year
Industry professionals are closely watching the developments as shipping companies navigate these increasingly dangerous waters.
