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

The Hellas Aphrodite, which was transporting petrol from India to South African destinations, was taken over on the recent incident when heavily armed attackers began shooting with automatic weapons and explosive projectiles before boarding the ship.

The crew locked themselves inside a fortified citadel while the attackers took control of the ship.

Successful Rescue Operation

A Spanish warship, operating under the EU's anti-piracy mission, reached the ship on the following day. Special forces entered the craft and found all 24 crew members safe and sound.

"All personnel is safe and no injuries have been reported. Throughout the ordeal, they stayed in the secure area in constant communication with the operation," authorities announced, adding that a "show of force" had prompted the pirates to leave the vessel before the naval unit arrived.

Ongoing Threat

Officials added that the threat risk in the area "remains critical" as the armed groups are continue to be in the vicinity.

The rescue operation involved a helicopter, unmanned aerial vehicle and surveillance aircraft. Shortly before, a different vessel in the identical region was targeted by a small speedboat but managed to evade it.

Resurgence of Piracy

This event represents the most recent in a series of incidents that have created concern about a renewal of maritime crime in the region.

Such activity had decreased when global maritime security and protective protocols were introduced after peaking more than a decade ago.

However, attacks by Yemen's Houthi rebels on ships in the Red Sea, which have been conducted for the past two years, have led vessels to be rerouted through the African coastline - creating new opportunities for local pirate groups.

Statistical Overview

• Multiple piracy cases of maritime crime occurred off the coast of Somalia last year
• Several vessel takeovers were recorded among these incidents
• A single case of maritime crime was reported in 2023

Industry professionals continue to monitor the developments as vessel operators navigate these increasingly dangerous waters.