A Malta-flagged tanker traveling from Sikka, India, to Durban, South Africa, came under attack off the coast of Somalia on Thursday, highlighting the resurgence of Somali piracy in the region. The assault involved attackers firing machine guns and rocket-propelled grenades (RPGs) and is believed to be linked to pirate groups operating near the Horn of Africa.

Details of the Attack

According to the UK Maritime Trade Operations Centre, the tanker’s master reported that a small craft approached the vessel from the stern and fired small arms and RPGs at the ship. Authorities issued an alert urging all vessels in the area to “transit with caution.”

The private maritime security company Ambrey confirmed the attack, identifying the vessel as the Hellas Aphrodite, which changed its course and slowed down during the incident. The tanker, which carried a crew of 24 mariners, did not have an armed security team on board. During the assault, the crew reportedly locked themselves inside the ship’s citadel for safety.

Another security firm, the Diaplous Group, corroborated that the tanker’s crew was unharmed and emphasized that the attackers were likely Somali pirates who recently seized an Iranian fishing boat called the Issamohamadi to use as a temporary base of operations.

EU Counterpiracy Response

The European Union’s Operation Atalanta, a counterpiracy mission in the Horn of Africa, has warned shipping operators about the heightened threat in the area. Recent reports indicate that pirate attacks are “almost certain” to occur, and the EU force has responded to several incidents in recent weeks, including an attack on the Cayman Islands-flagged tanker Stolt Sagaland, which involved an exchange of gunfire with the vessel’s armed security team.

History and Resurgence of Somali Piracy

Piracy off Somalia peaked in 2011, with 237 attacks reported and an estimated global economic loss of $7 billion, including $160 million in ransoms, according to the Oceans Beyond Piracy monitoring group. The threat declined due to increased international naval patrols, a strengthened Somali government, and other preventive measures.

However, Somali piracy has surged again since late 2023, fueled by the decline of international antipiracy patrols and the diversion of funds toward countering Houthi rebel activities in the region. In 2024, seven piracy incidents were reported, and so far in 2025, multiple fishing boats have been seized.

This latest attack underscores the continued risk to commercial shipping in the Indian Ocean and highlights the importance of coordinated international maritime security efforts.

Maritime Safety Recommendations

Authorities continue to advise shipping companies to:

• Maintain vigilant watchkeeping in high-risk areas
• Follow recommended transit corridors
• Ensure that crew are trained in citadel protocols for emergencies
• Coordinate with regional naval forces and maritime security firms

As Somali pirates remain active, the international community is closely monitoring developments to prevent further escalation and ensure the safety of commercial maritime operations.