🔗 Share this article European Union Naval Forces Free Crew Following Somali Pirate Attack on Oil Tanker The Maltese-flagged tanker was seized by pirates on recently European Union maritime units have safely freed 24 sailors from a Malta-registered oil tanker that was targeted by sea robbers off the coast of Somali waters. The vessel, which was transporting fuel from Indian ports to South Africa, was taken over on Thursday when armed pirates opened fire with machine guns and explosive projectiles before taking control of the vessel. The crew secured themselves inside a secure safe room while the attackers took control of the marine transport. Mission Accomplished A Spanish warship, operating under the European Union's maritime security operation, reached the tanker on the following day. Special forces entered the vessel and discovered all 24 crew members safe and sound. "All personnel is safe and no harm have been reported. During the incident, they remained in the secure area in constant communication with command center," officials announced, adding that a "show of force" had convinced the pirates to leave the ship before the warship arrived. Continuing Danger Officials added that the danger level in the region "remains critical" as the armed groups are continue to be in the vicinity. The rescue operation involved a helicopter, drone and surveillance aircraft. Shortly before, a different vessel in the same area was targeted by a fast boat but managed to evade it. Resurgence of Piracy This event marks the latest in a spate of attacks that have created concern about a renewal of piracy in the area. Piracy operations had declined when international naval patrols and protective protocols were implemented after reaching their highest point more than a ten years past. Nevertheless, attacks by Yemen's Houthi rebels on vessels in the Arabian Sea, which have been carried out for the recent period, have led ships to be diverted through the African coastline - opening up new possibilities for Somali gangs. Statistical Overview Multiple piracy cases of maritime crime occurred off the shoreline of the Somali region last year Several vessel takeovers were recorded among these incidents Only one incident of maritime crime was reported in the preceding year Maritime security experts continue to monitor the situation as vessel operators travel through these increasingly dangerous waters.