Somali Pirates Seize Tanker Carrying Gasoline Off Coast of Somalia

Pirates boarded a Malta-flagged tanker, the Hellas Aphrodite, carrying gasoline off the coast of Somalia today, marking the first commercial ship seized by pirates in the region in over a year.

The attack occurred this morning as the Hellas Aphrodite traveled from Sikka, India, to Durban, South Africa, according to the ship’s owner, Latsco Marine Management Inc. Attackers used machine guns and rocket-propelled grenades, and the 24-member crew secured themselves in the ship’s citadel. Latsco confirmed that all crew members are safe and accounted for, stating, “All 24 crew are safe and accounted for, and we remain in close contact with them.” The ship reportedly had no armed security personnel onboard.

Recent reports indicate a resurgence in Somali piracy, with the seizure of an Iranian fishing boat, the Issamohamadi, used as a base of operations. This incident follows a suspected pirate attack on the Stolt Sagaland, where armed security exchanged fire with the attackers, as reported by the European Union’s Operation Atalanta. The increase in piracy may be linked to instability caused by attacks by Yemen’s Houthi rebels in the Red Sea, diverting attention and resources from counter-piracy efforts. For more information on maritime security, see the International Maritime Organization.

The European Union’s Operation Atalanta, a counter-piracy mission, has dispatched an asset to the area and is prepared to respond. Somali piracy peaked in 2011, costing the global economy billions of dollars, and while international patrols had diminished the threat, this latest seizure signals a worrying trend for global shipping lanes. You can find more details about past piracy incidents at Oceans Beyond Piracy.

Authorities are coordinating efforts to ensure the safety of the crew and are monitoring the situation for further developments.