🔗 Share this article European Union Naval Forces Rescue Crew Following Somalia Piracy Incident on Oil Tanker The Hellas Aphrodite was seized by armed attackers on Thursday European Union naval forces have safely freed two dozen crew members from a Malta-registered petroleum vessel that was targeted by sea robbers off the coast of Somali waters. The Hellas Aphrodite, which was transporting petrol from India to South African destinations, was taken over on Thursday when heavily armed attackers opened fire with machine guns and explosive projectiles before boarding the vessel. All sailors secured themselves inside a secure safe room while the pirates took control of the ship. Mission Accomplished A naval vessel, functioning under the European Union's maritime security operation, reached the ship on Friday afternoon. Special forces boarded the vessel and discovered all 24 crew members unharmed. "The crew is secure and no injuries have been reported. During the incident, they stayed in the citadel in constant communication with the operation," authorities stated, adding that a "show of force" had prompted the attackers to leave the ship before the naval unit reached the location. Ongoing Threat Authorities emphasized that the danger level in the region "remains critical" as the pirates are continue to be in the vicinity. The rescue operation utilized a aircraft, drone and reconnaissance plane. Shortly before, a different vessel in the same area was targeted by a small speedboat but successfully avoided it. Return of Maritime Crime This event marks the latest in a series of incidents that have raised alarms about a resurgence of maritime crime in the region. Such activity had declined when global maritime security and protective protocols were implemented after reaching their highest point more than a ten years past. However, attacks by militant groups on ships in the Red Sea, which have been conducted for the recent period, have caused vessels to be diverted through East Africa's Indian Ocean - creating new opportunities for Somali gangs. Incident Data Multiple piracy cases of piracy took place off the coast of the Somali region in the previous year Several vessel takeovers were documented among these events Only one incident of maritime crime was reported in the preceding year Maritime security experts continue to monitor the situation as vessel operators navigate these increasingly dangerous shipping lanes.