EU Naval Force Approaches Pirate-Seized Ship off Somalia

Operation Atalanta says it will take ‘appropriate action’ to help the Malta-flagged tanker Hellas Aphrodite.

The European naval force Operation Atalanta is responding to the hijacking of the Malta-flagged tanker Hellas Aphrodite by pirates off the coast of Somalia. The attackers used machine guns and RPGs, and concerns are growing for the safety of the 24 crew members aboard. As the naval force approaches, another vessel narrowly escaped a similar attack, indicating a resurgence in piracy in the region. Operation Atalanta stated it is ready to take appropriate action in this situation.