🔗 Share this article European Union Naval Forces Free Crew Following Somali Pirate Attack on Vessel The Maltese-flagged tanker was seized by pirates on recently EU naval forces have successfully rescued two dozen crew members from a Maltese-flagged oil tanker that was targeted by sea robbers off the shoreline of Somali waters. The vessel, which was transporting fuel from India to South Africa, was taken over on Thursday when heavily armed attackers opened fire with automatic weapons and rocket-propelled grenades before boarding the vessel. The crew locked themselves inside a secure safe room while the attackers assumed command of the marine transport. Mission Accomplished A naval vessel, operating under the EU's anti-piracy mission, arrived at the ship on the following day. Special forces boarded the vessel and discovered all 24 crew members safe and sound. "The crew is safe and no harm have been reported. During the ordeal, they stayed in the secure area in direct contact with command center," authorities stated, noting that a "show of force" had prompted the attackers to leave the ship before the warship arrived. Ongoing Threat Officials emphasized that the danger level in the area "remains critical" as the pirates are continue to be in the area. The mission utilized a helicopter, drone and surveillance aircraft. Shortly before, a different vessel in the identical region was targeted by a small speedboat but managed to evade it. Return of Maritime Crime This incident marks the most recent in a series of attacks that have raised alarms about a resurgence of piracy in the region. Such activity had declined when international naval patrols and protective protocols were implemented after reaching their highest point more than a ten years past. However, attacks by militant groups on vessels in the Arabian Sea, which have been conducted for the recent period, have led ships to be diverted through the African coastline - opening up new possibilities for Somali gangs. Incident Data Seven reported incidents of maritime crime took place off the coast of Somalia last year Several vessel takeovers were recorded among these incidents A single case of maritime crime was reported in the preceding year Maritime security experts are closely watching the situation as shipping companies travel through these increasingly dangerous waters.