Somali Coast Attack: Pirates Fire Grenades and Board Vessel

Thu Nov 06 2025 17:48:38 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

A recent piracy incident off the Somali coast involved attackers firing machine guns and grenades at a cargo ship, emphasizing a resurgence of piracy in the region.

In an alarming incident reminiscent of earlier piracy waves, assailants attacked and boarded a vessel off the Somali coast, firing rockets and gunfire. The attack occurred approximately 560 nautical miles southeast of Eyl, confirmed by the UK Maritime Trade Operations. Thankfully, all crew members aboard the Malta-registered tanker were reported safe. The assault highlights the worrying increase in piracy activities in the region, which had seen a decline over the years.

Attackers have boarded a ship off the coast of Somalia after firing machine guns and rocket-propelled grenades at the vessel, according to a UK maritime agency.

The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) has issued an alert about the raid, which it said happened about 560 nautical miles south-east of the Somali town of Eyl.

Private security firm Ambrey stated that the attackers were probably Somali pirates, who have been active in the region recently.

Greek shipping company Latsco Marine Management confirmed the attack, assuring that all 24 crew members aboard were 'safe and accounted for'.

The UKMTO noted, 'The Master of a vessel reported being approached by a small craft on its stern, which fired small arms and RPGs towards the vessel.'

The attack occurred around 11:48 local time (08:48 GMT) on the Malta-registered vessel named 'Hellas Aphrodite,' which was transporting gasoline from Sikka, India, to Durban, South Africa.

Latsco is coordinating with authorities to ensure the crew's continued safety.

This incident adds to concerns about a resurgence of piracy in the region, which had seen a significant decline following a peak more than a decade ago. According to the International Maritime Bureau, there were at least seven piracy incidents reported last year, with several fishing vessels seized already this year.