🔗 Share this article European Union Maritime Forces Free Sailors Following Somalia Pirate Attack on Vessel The Hellas Aphrodite was captured by pirates on recently European Union maritime units have successfully rescued 24 sailors from a Malta-registered oil tanker that was targeted by pirates off the coast of Somalia. The Hellas Aphrodite, which was carrying fuel from India to South African destinations, was seized on Thursday when armed pirates began shooting with machine guns and explosive projectiles before boarding the ship. All sailors secured themselves inside a secure safe room while the attackers took control of the ship. Successful Rescue Operation A Spanish warship, operating under the EU's anti-piracy mission, reached the ship on the following day. Elite military units boarded the craft and discovered all two dozen sailors unharmed. "The crew is safe and no injuries have been reported. Throughout the ordeal, they remained in the secure area in constant communication with the operation," authorities announced, adding that a "show of force" had prompted the pirates to abandon the vessel before the warship arrived. Ongoing Threat Authorities emphasized that the threat risk in the region "continues to be serious" as the pirates are continue to be in the area. The mission utilized a helicopter, drone and surveillance aircraft. Just hours earlier, a different vessel in the identical region was targeted by a fast boat but successfully avoided it. Resurgence of Piracy This event represents the latest in a spate of incidents that have raised alarms about a resurgence of maritime crime in the region. Piracy operations had declined when international naval patrols and protective protocols were introduced after reaching their highest point more than a ten years past. However, assaults by militant groups on vessels in the Red Sea, which have been carried out for the recent period, have caused ships to be diverted through East Africa's Indian Ocean - creating new possibilities for local pirate groups. Statistical Overview Seven reported incidents of piracy took place off the coast of Somalia last year Several vessel takeovers were recorded among these incidents Only one incident of maritime crime was reported in 2023 Maritime security experts are closely watching the developments as shipping companies travel through these potentially hazardous waters.