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European Union naval forces have successfully rescued 24 sailors from a Malta-registered oil tanker that was targeted by sea robbers off the shoreline of Somali waters.

The vessel, which was transporting fuel from Indian ports to South African destinations, was taken over on the recent incident when armed pirates began shooting with automatic weapons and rocket-propelled grenades before boarding the ship.

All sailors secured themselves inside a fortified citadel while the attackers took control of the marine transport.

Successful Rescue Operation

A naval vessel, operating under the European Union's maritime security operation, arrived at the tanker on the following day. Special forces entered the vessel and found all 24 crew members unharmed.

"The crew is secure and no injuries have been reported. During the incident, they remained in the secure area in direct contact with command center," officials stated, adding that a "show of force" had prompted the pirates to abandon the ship before the naval unit reached the location.

Continuing Danger

Authorities emphasized that the threat risk in the area "continues to be serious" as the pirates are still in the vicinity.

The rescue operation utilized a helicopter, drone and reconnaissance plane. Just hours earlier, another ship in the same area was approached by a fast boat but managed to evade it.

Return of Maritime Crime

This event marks the latest in a series of incidents that have raised alarms about a resurgence of piracy in the region.

Such activity had decreased when international naval patrols and security measures were implemented after peaking more than a decade ago.

Nevertheless, attacks by Yemen's Houthi rebels on vessels in the Red Sea, which have been carried out for the recent period, have caused ships to be diverted through the African coastline - creating new possibilities for local pirate groups.

Statistical Overview

• Multiple piracy cases of piracy took place off the coast of Somalia in the previous year
• Several vessel takeovers were recorded among these events
• A single case of piracy was reported in 2023

Maritime security experts continue to monitor the developments as vessel operators navigate these potentially hazardous shipping lanes.