🔗 Share this article EU Maritime Forces Rescue Crew After Somalia Piracy Incident on Vessel The Maltese-flagged tanker was captured by pirates on Thursday EU maritime units have safely freed 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 India to South African destinations, was seized on Thursday when heavily armed attackers opened fire with automatic weapons and explosive projectiles before boarding the vessel. The crew secured themselves inside a fortified citadel while the attackers took control of the ship. Successful Rescue Operation A naval vessel, operating under the EU's anti-piracy mission, arrived at the tanker on Friday afternoon. Special forces entered the craft and discovered all 24 crew members unharmed. "All personnel is secure and no injuries have been reported. During the incident, they stayed in the secure area in constant communication with the operation," officials announced, noting that a "demonstration of power" had prompted the attackers to abandon the vessel before the warship arrived. Continuing Danger Authorities added that the threat risk in the region "continues to be serious" as the pirates are continue to be in the area. The rescue operation utilized a aircraft, unmanned aerial vehicle and surveillance aircraft. Just hours earlier, another ship in the same area was approached by a fast boat but managed to evade it. Resurgence of Piracy This incident marks the latest in a spate of incidents that have created concern about a resurgence of maritime crime in the region. Such activity had declined when international naval patrols and security measures 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 carried out for the recent period, have caused vessels to be rerouted through the African coastline - opening up new possibilities for Somali gangs. Statistical Overview Multiple piracy cases of piracy took place off the coast of Somalia last year Several vessel takeovers were documented among these events Only one incident of maritime crime was noted in the preceding year Maritime security experts are closely watching the situation as vessel operators travel through these increasingly dangerous shipping lanes.