10 Jan 2026
European Union Naval Forces Rescue Sailors After Somali Pirate Attack on Oil Tanker
EU naval forces have safely freed 24 sailors from a Maltese-flagged oil tanker that was targeted by pirates off the shoreline of Somali waters.
The Hellas Aphrodite, which was transporting petrol from Indian ports to South African destinations, was taken over on Thursday when heavily armed attackers began shooting with machine guns and explosive projectiles before taking control of the ship.
The crew secured themselves inside a secure safe room while the attackers assumed command of the ship.
Successful Rescue Operation
A Spanish warship, functioning under the European Union's maritime security operation, reached the ship on Friday afternoon. Elite military units boarded the craft and found all 24 crew members safe and sound.
"The crew is secure and no harm have been documented. During the ordeal, they stayed in the secure area in direct contact with the operation," officials announced, noting that a "show of force" had convinced the pirates to leave the vessel before the naval unit reached the location.
Continuing Danger
Officials emphasized that the threat risk in the area "continues to be serious" as the pirates are still in the area.
The rescue operation utilized a aircraft, drone and surveillance aircraft. Shortly before, a different vessel in the identical region was approached by a small speedboat but successfully avoided it.
Return of Maritime Crime
This event marks the latest in a spate of incidents that have created concern about a renewal of maritime crime in the area.
Piracy operations had decreased when global maritime security and security measures were introduced after reaching their highest point more than a ten years past.
However, attacks by Yemen's Houthi rebels on vessels in the Arabian Sea, which have been carried out for the recent period, have caused ships to be diverted through the African coastline - creating new possibilities for Somali gangs.
Statistical Overview
- Multiple piracy cases of maritime crime took place off the shoreline of Somalia last year
- Several vessel takeovers were documented among these incidents
- A single case of maritime crime was reported in 2023
Industry professionals continue to monitor the situation as shipping companies navigate these increasingly dangerous waters.