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European Union maritime units have safely freed two dozen crew members from a Maltese-flagged petroleum vessel that was attacked by pirates off the shoreline of Somali waters.

The Hellas Aphrodite, which was carrying fuel from India to South African destinations, was taken over on the recent incident when heavily armed attackers began shooting with machine guns and rocket-propelled grenades before boarding the vessel.

All sailors locked themselves inside a fortified citadel while the pirates assumed command of the marine transport.

Successful Rescue Operation

A naval vessel, functioning under the European Union's maritime security operation, arrived at the ship on Friday afternoon. Special forces entered the craft and found all two dozen sailors unharmed.

"The crew is secure and no injuries have been reported. Throughout the incident, they remained in the citadel in constant communication with the operation," authorities announced, adding that a "demonstration of power" had prompted the attackers to leave the vessel before the naval unit reached the location.

Ongoing Threat

Authorities added that the threat risk in the area "remains critical" as the armed groups are still in the vicinity.

The mission utilized a helicopter, drone and surveillance aircraft. Just hours earlier, a different vessel in the same area was approached by a fast boat but managed to evade it.

Resurgence of Piracy

This incident represents the latest in a series of attacks that have raised alarms about a resurgence of maritime crime in the region.

Such activity had declined when international naval patrols and protective protocols were introduced after reaching their highest point more than a decade ago.

Nevertheless, assaults by militant groups on ships in the Red Sea, which have been conducted for the recent period, have caused ships to be rerouted through the African coastline - creating new opportunities for local pirate groups.

Statistical Overview

• Seven reported incidents of piracy took place off the shoreline of Somalia in the previous year
• Three hijackings were recorded among these incidents
• Only one incident of maritime crime was noted in the preceding year

Maritime security experts continue to monitor the situation as shipping companies travel through these potentially hazardous waters.