UPDATE: Attackers armed with machine guns and rocket-propelled grenades have boarded the oil tanker Hellas Aphrodite off the coast of Somalia, marking a chilling resurgence of piracy in the region. This incident, which occurred on Thursday morning, is the first successful hijacking of a commercial vessel since May 2024, raising urgent concerns among shipping companies operating in the area.
The Malta-flagged Hellas Aphrodite was en route from Sikka, India, to Durban, South Africa, carrying gasoline when it was attacked. According to its owner, Latsco Marine Management, the ship’s crew of 24 members managed to lock themselves in the vessel’s citadel during the assault, ensuring their safety amidst the chaos. Latsco confirmed that “all 24 crew are safe and accounted for,” and the company is closely coordinating with authorities to secure their welfare.
In a statement, the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations center and security firm Ambrey detailed the use of RPGs by the assailants, characterizing the attack as a clear indication of the increasing boldness of Somali pirates. “This is an unprecedented series of events targeting merchant vessels,” warned France’s Maritime Information Cooperation and Awareness Centre, urging vigilance among shipping operations.
The attack follows a troubling trend, with reported incidents of piracy off the Somali coast escalating over the past year. In 2024 alone, there were seven reported incidents, and the EU’s Operation Atalanta had previously issued alerts about the resurgence of pirate activities, stating that assaults were “almost certain” to occur.
Piracy in the region reached its peak in 2011, with 237 attacks reported, costing the global economy roughly $7 billion due to ransom payments. Although international naval patrols and a strengthening central government in Somalia had reduced these threats significantly, the recent rise in piracy can be linked to escalating insecurity in adjacent areas, including the Red Sea corridor affected by conflicts involving Yemen’s Houthi rebels.
Just days before the attack on the Hellas Aphrodite, another vessel, the Cayman Islands-flagged Stolt Sagaland, was targeted, resulting in an exchange of gunfire between armed security forces and suspected pirates. As these incidents unfold, the international community is urged to remain vigilant and prepared for further developments.
Next steps for Latsco Marine Management involve activating their emergency response team to ensure the ongoing safety of the crew while maintaining communication with maritime authorities. Stakeholders in the shipping industry are advised to heighten security protocols and report any suspicious activities to combat the renewed threat of piracy off the Somali coast.
This urgent situation will continue to be monitored closely as authorities assess the implications of this attack on global shipping routes.
