Piracy Resurgence: Armed Attack Off Somali Coast

Thu Nov 06 2025 17:29:26 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

A cargo ship was attacked off the coast of Somalia, reigniting concerns over piracy in the region. All crew members are reported safe.

A disturbing resurgence of piracy off the Somali coast has been highlighted by a recent incident where attackers boarded a cargo vessel using machine guns and rocket-propelled grenades. Fortunately, all 24 crew members on board were able to secure themselves in a fortified safe room. The attack prompted requests for assistance from European Union naval forces stationed in the area.

A cargo ship was attacked off the coast of Somalia after attackers fired machine guns and rocket-propelled grenades at the vessel, according to a UK maritime agency.

In a statement from Greek shipping company Latsco Marine Management, they confirmed that their ship carrying gasoline was assaulted but all 24 crew members are 'safe and accounted for' as they took shelter in the vessel's fortified safe room.

European Union naval forces operating in the area have been called for assistance following the incident.

The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) reported that the attack took place approximately 560 nautical miles southeast of Eyl, Somalia, with the attackers believed to be Somali pirates, a claim supported by the private security firm Ambrey.

The assault on the Malta-registered vessel named Hellas Aphrodite occurred around 11:48 local time (08:48 GMT) while it was en route from Sikka, India to Durban, South Africa.

The pirate activity comes amidst a noted resurgence of piracy in the region, with the International Maritime Bureau reporting at least seven incidents last year, and several fishing vessels seized this year, marking a significant increase compared to the previous years.