🔗 Share this article European Union Maritime Forces Rescue Crew Following Somali Pirate Attack on Oil Tanker The Hellas Aphrodite was captured by armed attackers on recently European Union naval forces have safely freed two dozen crew members from a Maltese-flagged oil tanker that was targeted by sea robbers off the coast of Somalia. The vessel, which was transporting petrol from India to South African destinations, was taken over on the recent incident when armed pirates opened fire with automatic weapons and explosive projectiles before boarding the ship. The crew secured themselves inside a secure safe room while the pirates assumed command of the marine transport. Successful Rescue Operation A naval vessel, operating under the European Union's maritime security operation, arrived at the tanker on Friday afternoon. Elite military units boarded the vessel and found all two dozen sailors safe and sound. "All personnel is secure and no harm have been documented. Throughout the incident, they stayed in the citadel in constant communication with the operation," authorities announced, noting that a "demonstration of power" had prompted the pirates to abandon 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 area. The rescue operation involved a helicopter, drone and reconnaissance plane. Just hours earlier, another ship in the same area was approached by a fast boat but successfully avoided it. Resurgence of Piracy This event represents the latest in a series of attacks that have created concern about a renewal of piracy in the region. Such activity had decreased when global maritime security and protective protocols were introduced after peaking more than a decade ago. Nevertheless, assaults by Yemen's Houthi rebels on vessels in the Red Sea, which have been conducted for the recent period, have led ships to be diverted through the African coastline - opening up new opportunities for Somali gangs. Statistical Overview Multiple piracy cases of piracy took place off the shoreline of Somalia in the previous year Several vessel takeovers were documented among these events Only one incident of maritime crime was noted in the preceding year Maritime security experts continue to monitor the situation as vessel operators navigate these increasingly dangerous shipping lanes.