🔗 Share this article EU Naval Forces Free Crew After Somali Pirate Attack on Oil Tanker The Maltese-flagged tanker was captured by pirates on recently EU maritime units have safely freed two dozen crew members from a Malta-registered petroleum vessel that was attacked by pirates off the coast of Somalia. The Hellas Aphrodite, which was carrying petrol from India to South Africa, was seized on the recent incident when heavily armed attackers began shooting with automatic weapons and rocket-propelled grenades before boarding the ship. All sailors secured themselves inside a secure safe room while the pirates assumed command of the ship. Mission Accomplished A Spanish warship, functioning under the European Union's maritime security operation, arrived at the ship on Friday afternoon. Elite military units entered the craft and found all two dozen sailors unharmed. "All personnel is safe and no injuries have been documented. During the incident, they remained in the citadel in constant communication with the operation," officials stated, noting that a "demonstration of power" had convinced the pirates to leave the vessel before the naval unit reached the location. Continuing Danger Authorities added that the danger level in the area "remains critical" as the armed groups are still in the vicinity. The rescue operation involved a helicopter, unmanned aerial vehicle and reconnaissance plane. Just hours earlier, another ship in the identical region was targeted by a small speedboat but successfully avoided it. Resurgence of Piracy This incident represents the most recent in a series of attacks that have created concern about a renewal of piracy in the region. Piracy operations had declined when international naval patrols and security measures were implemented after peaking more than a decade ago. Nevertheless, attacks by militant groups on vessels in the Red Sea, which have been carried out for the recent period, have led ships to be diverted through the African coastline - creating new opportunities for Somali gangs. Statistical Overview Seven reported incidents of maritime crime occurred off the shoreline of the Somali region last year Several vessel takeovers were documented among these incidents Only one incident of piracy was noted in the preceding year Maritime security experts continue to monitor the situation as vessel operators travel through these potentially hazardous shipping lanes.