🔗 Share this article EU Naval Forces Free Crew After Somalia Pirate Attack on Vessel The Maltese-flagged tanker was captured by armed attackers on Thursday EU maritime units have successfully rescued two dozen crew members from a Malta-registered petroleum vessel that was attacked by pirates off the shoreline of Somalia. The vessel, which was carrying fuel from Indian ports to South Africa, was seized on Thursday when armed pirates opened fire with machine guns and explosive projectiles before taking control of the ship. All sailors locked themselves inside a secure safe room while the attackers assumed command of the marine transport. Successful Rescue Operation A naval vessel, operating under the EU's anti-piracy mission, arrived at the tanker on Friday afternoon. Elite military units boarded the craft and discovered all 24 crew members unharmed. "All personnel is safe and no injuries have been reported. During the incident, they stayed in the citadel in constant communication with the operation," officials announced, adding that a "show of force" had prompted the attackers to abandon the ship before the naval unit arrived. Continuing Danger Authorities added that the danger level in the region "continues to be serious" as the armed groups are continue to be in the area. The mission utilized a aircraft, drone and reconnaissance plane. Shortly before, another ship in the same area was approached by a small speedboat but managed to evade it. Resurgence of Piracy This incident marks the most recent in a series of attacks that have created concern about a renewal of maritime crime in the region. Piracy operations had declined when international naval patrols and protective protocols were introduced after peaking more than a ten years past. However, assaults by Yemen's Houthi rebels on ships in the Red Sea, which have been carried out for the recent period, have led vessels to be diverted through the African coastline - opening up new opportunities for local pirate groups. Incident Data Multiple piracy cases of maritime crime took place off the coast of Somalia in the previous year Three hijackings were recorded among these incidents A single case of piracy was noted in the preceding year Industry professionals continue to monitor the developments as vessel operators navigate these increasingly dangerous waters.