Somali Pirates Board Tanker: Most Serious Escalation Since 2024
Somali Pirates Board Tanker: Most Serious Escalation Since 2024
Pirates boarded a Maltese-flagged oil tanker carrying gasoline off the coast of Somalia. Its 24-person crew took refuge in the ship's fortified security room and reportedly remained in control, according to several maritime sources.
The vessel, named Hellas Aphrodite and operated by the Greek company Latsco Marine Management, was en route from Sikka, India, to Durban, South Africa.
The attackers, who used a speedboat launched from a captured Iranian sailboat, opened fire with automatic weapons and a rocket launcher before boarding, according to the media.
The incident occurred approximately 550 nautical miles from Hobyo, Somalia, a location well beyond traditionally high-risk areas. There were no armed guards on board.
International Response:
In response, the EU's Operation Atalanta, a naval force combating piracy in the Horn of Africa, deployed a nearby vessel for potential intervention. Additionally, a Japanese aircraft conducted a reconnaissance flight over the area.
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