🔗 Share this article European Union Naval Forces Free Sailors After Somali Piracy Incident on Oil Tanker The Maltese-flagged tanker was captured by armed attackers on recently EU naval forces have successfully rescued two dozen crew members from a Maltese-flagged oil tanker that was attacked by pirates off the shoreline of Somali waters. The vessel, which was transporting fuel from India to South Africa, was taken over on the recent incident when heavily armed attackers opened fire with machine guns and explosive projectiles before taking control of the vessel. All sailors locked themselves inside a fortified citadel while the pirates assumed command of the ship. Successful Rescue Operation A naval vessel, operating under the EU's anti-piracy mission, arrived at the ship on the following day. Special forces entered the craft and found all two dozen sailors unharmed. "All personnel is safe and no harm have been reported. Throughout the incident, they stayed in the secure area in constant communication with command center," officials stated, noting that a "show of force" had prompted the attackers to leave the vessel before the warship reached the location. Continuing Danger Officials emphasized that the danger level in the area "continues to be serious" as the armed groups are continue to be in the vicinity. The mission utilized a aircraft, drone and surveillance aircraft. Shortly before, another ship in the same area was approached by a fast boat but managed to evade it. Resurgence of Piracy This incident represents the most recent in a series of attacks that have created concern about a renewal of maritime crime in the area. Such activity had decreased when international naval patrols and protective protocols were introduced after reaching their highest point more than a decade ago. Nevertheless, assaults by militant groups on vessels in the Arabian Sea, which have been conducted for the recent period, have led ships to be rerouted through East Africa's Indian Ocean - creating new possibilities for local pirate groups. Incident Data Seven reported incidents of piracy took place off the coast of the Somali region last 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 situation as shipping companies navigate these increasingly dangerous shipping lanes.