### Rising Tide of Piracy: EU Forces Respond to Somali Attacks Recent events have highlighted a significant escalation in piracy off the coast of Somalia, with armed pirates attacking the Malta-flagged tanker Hellas Aphrodite. This incident, occurring approximately 1,000 kilometers from the Somali coast, involved the use of machine guns and rocket-propelled grenades, prompting a swift response from European Union naval forces, which successfully rescued all 24 crew members aboard the vessel [https://ground.news/article/eu-forces-rescue-tanker-crew-after-pirate-attack_0a02d8]. The attack marks a troubling resurgence in piracy, raising concerns about maritime security in a region critical for global shipping routes [https://www.ekathimerini.com/economy/1286055/pirates-board-tanker-off-somalia-in-biggest-escalation-since-2024]. ### Structure of the Incident and Response 1. **Incident Overview** - The Hellas Aphrodite was attacked and boarded by Somali pirates on November 6, 2025, while it was transporting gasoline [https://www.world-today-news.com/somalia-ship-attack-crew-safe-amidst-rising-piracy]. - The crew managed to secure themselves in a fortified safe room, maintaining control of the vessel during the attack [https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/pirates-board-malta-flagged-products-tanker-off-somalia-crew-safe-manager-says]. 2. **Rescue Operation** - Following the attack, EU naval forces intervened, successfully rescuing all crew members without any reported casualties [https://ground.news/article/eu-forces-rescue-tanker-crew-after-pirate-attack_0a02d8]. - The operation underscores the ongoing commitment of international forces to combat piracy in the region [https://www.ekathimerini.com/economy/1286055/pirates-board-tanker-off-somalia-in-biggest-escalation-since-2024]. 3. **Context of Rising Piracy** - This incident is part of a broader trend, with maritime security sources indicating that piracy attacks have increased significantly since 2024 [https://www.ekathimerini.com/economy/1286055/pirates-board-tanker-off-somalia-in-biggest-escalation-since-2024]. - The attack on the Hellas Aphrodite is one of the most serious escalations in recent years, raising alarms about the safety of shipping lanes in the Indian Ocean [https://www.marinelink.com/blogs/blog/ambrey-pirates-board-a-maltaflagged-product-tanker-off-somalia-103595]. ### Supporting Evidence of Escalation - **Recent Attacks**: The Hellas Aphrodite incident is not isolated; it follows a series of similar attacks in the region, indicating a worrying trend in piracy [https://www.tovima.com/world/somali-pirates-hijack-greek-owned-tanker-off-somalias-coast]. - **Security Reports**: Maritime security firms have reported a rise in piracy incidents, with the latest attack being described as the most significant escalation since 2024 [https://www.ekathimerini.com/economy/1286055/pirates-board-tanker-off-somalia-in-biggest-escalation-since-2024]. - **International Response**: The EU's rapid response to the attack reflects a coordinated effort to enhance maritime security and protect shipping routes vital for global trade [https://ground.news/article/eu-forces-rescue-tanker-crew-after-pirate-attack_0a02d8]. ### Conclusion: A Call for Vigilance in Maritime Security **The recent attack on the Hellas Aphrodite underscores a critical need for heightened vigilance and international cooperation in maritime security.** 1. **Incident Summary**: Somali pirates attacked the Malta-flagged tanker, leading to a successful rescue operation by EU forces. 2. **Escalation of Piracy**: This incident is part of a broader trend of increasing piracy in the region, raising concerns for global shipping. 3. **International Response**: The swift action by EU naval forces highlights the ongoing commitment to combat piracy and ensure the safety of maritime routes. As piracy continues to pose a threat to international shipping, ongoing vigilance and collaborative efforts will be essential to safeguard these vital trade routes [https://www.ekathimerini.com/economy/1286055/pirates-board-tanker-off-somalia-in-biggest-escalation-since-2024].