European Union Maritime Forces Free Crew Following Somalia Piracy Incident on Vessel
EU naval forces have successfully rescued 24 sailors from a Malta-registered petroleum vessel that was targeted by sea robbers off the shoreline of Somali waters.
The vessel, which was carrying fuel from Indian ports to South African destinations, was taken over on the recent incident when armed pirates opened fire with automatic weapons and rocket-propelled grenades before boarding the vessel.
All sailors secured themselves inside a secure safe room while the attackers assumed command of the ship.
Successful Rescue Operation
A naval vessel, operating under the European Union's maritime security operation, arrived at the tanker on Friday afternoon. Special forces entered the vessel and found all 24 crew members unharmed.
"The crew is safe and no harm have been reported. Throughout the ordeal, they stayed in the secure area in direct contact with the operation," officials stated, noting that a "demonstration of power" had convinced the attackers to leave the vessel before the naval unit arrived.
Ongoing Threat
Authorities added that the danger level in the area "remains critical" as the pirates are continue to be in the vicinity.
The rescue operation involved a aircraft, drone and surveillance aircraft. Just hours earlier, a different vessel in the identical region was approached by a small speedboat but managed to evade it.
Resurgence of Piracy
This incident represents the latest in a spate of incidents that have created concern about a renewal of piracy in the region.
Such activity had declined when global maritime security and security measures were introduced after peaking more than a decade ago.
Nevertheless, assaults by militant groups on vessels in the Arabian Sea, which have been conducted for the recent period, have caused vessels to be rerouted through East Africa's Indian Ocean - opening up new opportunities for Somali gangs.
Statistical Overview
- Seven reported incidents of piracy occurred off the shoreline of the Somali region last year
- Three hijackings were documented among these incidents
- Only one incident of maritime crime was reported in the preceding year
Industry professionals continue to monitor the situation as vessel operators travel through these increasingly dangerous waters.
