Photo credit: EU Naval Force Operation ATALANTA
Greek shipping company Latsco Marine Management confirmed that naval forces arrived on scene on Friday, November 7, afternoon and are providing assistance to the Hellas Aphrodite (IMO: 9722766).
Armed forces deployed from EUNAVFOR naval assets with the assistance of their helicopter, boarded the vessel and confirmed the safety of all 24 crew members.
On the early afternoon of November 7, Operation ATALANTA forces liberated the Maltese-flagged tanker Hellas Aphrodite.
As it is reported, the crew, composed of 24 people, is safe and there were no injuries. Throughout the incident, they remained in the citadel in direct contact with ATALANTA.
“Initial reports indicate that no unauthorised persons were found on board when naval forces arrived. A detailed search of the vessel and surrounding area is continuing to ensure the situation is fully secure. As the situation stabilises, our immediate focus is on supporting our crew’s wellbeing and ensuring they receive the care and assistance they need as they recover from this distressing experience,” Latsco Marine Management said in a statement on Friday, Nov. 7.
The Malta-flagged 49,992-dwt product tanker, built in 2016, was transiting from Sikka, India, to Durban, South Africa (approximately 550 nautical miles off coast of Somalia) when the incident occurred.
The tanker, which was carrying a cargo of gasoline, was en route from India to South Africa when a “security incident” took place southeast of Somalia at approximately 11:48 hours local time on November 6, the firm said.
According to EU Naval Force Operation ATALANTA, the flagship ESPS Victoria with her organic helicopter, the uncrewed aerial vehicle (UAV), the maritime patrol and reconnaissance aircraft, and the special operations team were involved in the liberation of the tanker.
The piracy attack took place on the morning of November 6, Operation ATALANTA said, when the tanker was boarded by a Pirate Action Group (PAG) active in the area. The boarding took place approximately 700 nautical miles from Mogadishu. When Operation ATALANTA got the alert, surface and air assets were immediate tasked with taking the appropriate actions to respond effectively and lead the efforts.
Data and evidence about the incident are being gathered to support the legal prosecution of the alleged pirates, should they be captured, according to EU Naval Force Operation ATALANTA.
To this end, ATALANTA, in collaboration with its maritime security partners in the area of operations, is continuing the intensive search for the PAG still active in the area.
As stated, collaboration with regional and international forces in the area has been key for the liberation of the tanker. In the operation, there has been participation from Puntland authorities, combined maritime forces Japanese P3C aircraft, Seychelles maritime reconnaissance patrol aircraft and Spanish joint operations command.
“We are profoundly grateful and relieved that all 24 crew members are safe and in good health. We remain in close contact with them, and their welfare continues to be our highest priority,” the company noted in its statement.
Photo credit: EU Naval Force Operation ATALANTA
Incidents in the Indian Ocean
The threat assessment in the area surrounding the incident remains critical. The mother ship and the pirates remain in the area. A coordinated joint operation is ongoing to intercept the dhow used in this attack.
Operation ATALANTA strongly recommends merchant and other vulnerable vessels to register in the MSCIO’s Voluntary Registration Scheme (VRS), to provide monitoring and response by ATALANTA forces and their partners in countering maritime security threats.
