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The ship "Hellas Aphrodite" is attacked with automatic weapons and RPG rockets off the coast of Somalia
Another international alarm has been raised in the notorious waters off the coast of Somalia after a group of armed pirates attacked a Maltese-flagged merchant ship, bringing back to light a threat the world thought was under control.
Official data shows that the tanker "Hellas Aphrodite", carrying oil products from India to South Africa, was hit by automatic weapons and RPG-type rockets as it passed through eastern Africa. The attack occurred on Friday morning, in an area where the lack of international patrols has created a security vacuum.
Fortunately, the crew had followed emergency protocols and taken refuge in the security room, the so-called "citadel", avoiding a hostage-taking in the classic style of Somali piracy.
The ship's captain is from Montenegro, and according to naval sources, he played a key role in organizing the crew's immediate response.
This is the first successful boarding of a merchant ship in waters off Somalia in more than 18 months. A development that has deeply concerned the international maritime community, as it comes at a time when global attention is focused on the crisis in the Red Sea and attacks by Houthi rebels.
According to maritime security analysts, this incident could signal a resurgence of piracy networks linked to criminal groups on land, which are taking advantage of the collapse of the Somali state and the lack of international patrols.
Consequences for global trade
Such attacks not only endanger the lives of dozens of sailors, but also call into question the security of sea lanes through which billions of dollars of goods pass every day. The incident is expected to cause increased insurance prices for ships passing through this corridor, and consequently, higher prices for consumer goods and energy.
The Balkans in the spotlight
With a Montenegrin captain at the center of this drama, the incident has also drawn attention in our region. Another proof that sailors from the Balkans, including Albanians, are exposed every day to extreme dangers in international seas. This case opens a debate on the necessity of more active involvement of the countries of the region in international maritime security operations./ Pamphlet
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