Pirates Board Maltese Cargo Ship Off Somalia, Crew Remain Safe

Armed attackers boarded the Maltese-flagged cargo ship Hellas Aphrodite off Somalia, firing weapons and RPGs, but all 24 crew members remained safe in the ship’s secure citadel. EU naval forces are responding, marking the first successful pirate boarding in the Horn of Africa in over a year amid rising attacks on merchant vessels and ongoing regional instability.

Armed individuals carried out an attack on the Maltese-flagged cargo ship Hellas Aphrodite off the coast of Somalia early on Thursday, firing both gunshots and rocket-propelled grenades at the vessel. Maritime security sources reported that the ship, which was transporting gasoline from India to South Africa, was approached by a small craft from its stern. The attackers, described as unauthorized personnel, boarded the vessel despite defensive measures.

The European Union’s naval force combating piracy off the Horn of Africa, Operation Atalanta, confirmed that one of its ships was near the location of the incident and was on its way to provide assistance. The Greek company Latsco Marine Management, which manages the vessel, initially reported a “security incident” but provided few details. The British UKMTO maritime trade operations center described the event as an “illegal boarding” and noted the firing of small arms and RPGs toward the ship.

All 24 crew members on board sought shelter in the ship’s secure citadel and remained safe throughout the attack. Latsco Marine Management confirmed that all crew were accounted for and maintained close contact with them. Maritime risk management company Diapolous also confirmed the crew’s safety, highlighting the effectiveness of the ship’s protective measures during the unauthorized boarding.

This incident marks the first successful pirate boarding in the Horn of Africa in over a year. However, it comes amid a series of attacks in recent days that have raised concerns among sailors and shipping companies operating in the region. France’s Maritime Information Cooperation and Awareness Center described the events as unprecedented, noting that pirates in the area are agile, determined, and capable of moving between regions with considerable reach. The warning referenced past incidents, including the hijacking of the Liberian-flagged MV Basilisk in May 2024, the Bangladesh-flagged MV Abdullah in April 2024, and two Indian vessels reclaimed by India’s navy earlier in 2024.

The waters off Somalia have long been considered a piracy hotspot, owing to the country’s ongoing internal conflicts and a weakened government that only partially controls the territory. Piracy peaked between 2010 and 2015 but declined significantly with increased patrols from US, EU, and allied naval forces. However, international naval resources have recently been diverted to address increased attacks by Houthi rebels in Yemen amid the war in Gaza over the past two years. The combination of these factors has created conditions that allowed pirates to target the Hellas Aphrodite, highlighting ongoing risks for global shipping in the region.