European Union Naval Forces Rescue Crew After Somalia Piracy Incident on Vessel

European Union naval forces have safely freed two dozen crew members from a Maltese-flagged petroleum vessel that was targeted by pirates off the shoreline of Somalia.

The vessel, which was carrying fuel from Indian ports to South African destinations, was taken over on the recent incident when heavily armed attackers began shooting with automatic weapons and explosive projectiles before taking control of the vessel.

The crew locked themselves inside a secure safe room while the pirates assumed command of the marine transport.

Mission Accomplished

A naval vessel, functioning under the European Union's maritime security operation, reached the ship on the following day. Special forces boarded the vessel and discovered all two dozen sailors safe and sound.

"The crew is secure and no injuries have been documented. Throughout the ordeal, they remained in the secure area in constant communication with command center," authorities announced, noting that a "demonstration of power" had convinced the attackers to leave the ship before the warship arrived.

Continuing Danger

Authorities added that the threat risk in the area "continues to be serious" as the armed groups are still in the vicinity.

The mission utilized a aircraft, unmanned aerial vehicle and surveillance aircraft. Shortly before, a different vessel in the identical region was approached by a fast boat but managed to evade it.

Resurgence of Piracy

This event marks the latest in a series of attacks that have created concern about a resurgence of piracy in the area.

Such activity had declined when international naval patrols and security measures were implemented after reaching their highest point more than a decade ago.

However, assaults by Yemen's Houthi rebels on vessels in the Red Sea, which have been carried out for the past two years, have led ships to be diverted through the African coastline - creating new opportunities for Somali gangs.

Incident Data

• Seven reported incidents of maritime crime took place off the shoreline of the Somali region in the previous 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 vessel operators travel through these potentially hazardous shipping lanes.