Ask Onix
Pirates board gasoline tanker in armed attack off Somalia
Armed attackers boarded a Malta-flagged gasoline tanker on Thursday after firing machine guns and rocket-propelled grenades (RPGs) at the vessel, approximately 560 nautical miles southeast of Somalia's coastal town of Eyl, maritime authorities confirmed.
The 24-member crew retreated to the ship's fortified safe room, according to a maritime security official, and all remain "safe and accounted for," the vessel's operator, Greek shipping firm Latsco Marine Management, stated in an update. The company has activated its emergency response team and is coordinating with regional authorities.
Incident details and response
The assault on the Hellas Aphrodite-a 2016-built tanker en route from Sikka, India, to Durban, South Africa-began at 11:48 local time (08:48 GMT), per Latsco's timeline. The UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) reported that a single small craft approached the vessel's stern before opening fire with small arms and RPGs.
Private security firm Ambrey assessed the attackers as likely Somali pirates, citing a recent uptick in regional activity. The European Union's naval forces in the area have been alerted for assistance, Reuters reported, though no further intervention details were immediately available.
Resurgence of piracy in the region
The attack underscores a troubling revival of piracy off Somalia's coast, where incidents had sharply declined following a peak over a decade ago. The International Maritime Bureau recorded at least seven attacks in 2024, with multiple fishing vessels already seized this year.
Maritime analysts warn that reduced patrols and economic instability in the region may be emboldening pirate groups. Thursday's raid-the latest in a string of recent incidents-targeted a commercial vessel carrying flammable cargo, raising concerns over escalating risks to global shipping lanes.
Vessel and crew status
The Hellas Aphrodite remains under the control of its crew, who are sheltering in the ship's citadel-a reinforced safe room designed to withstand armed assaults. Latsco emphasized in a statement that it is "in close contact" with the crew and monitoring the situation "in real-time" alongside international partners.
"The safety and welfare of our seafarers is our top priority. We are taking all necessary measures to resolve this situation swiftly and securely."
Latsco Marine Management spokesperson
