Published by Global Banking & Finance Review®
Posted on November 12, 2025
2 min readLast updated: January 21, 2026
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The EU naval force seized a dhow used in a Somali pirate attack on an oil tanker, ensuring crew safety and disrupting pirate operations.
NAIROBI (Reuters) -A European Union naval mission has taken control of an Iranian-flagged dhow used by pirates last week to attack an oil products tanker off the coast of Somalia and later abandoned.
A recent spate of attacks on vessels off the Horn of Africa, including the first in a year by suspected Somali pirates, has rekindled concerns over the security of shipping lanes carrying critical energy and goods to global markets.
The crew of the dhow are safe and in good condition, said the EU naval force, known as Operation Atalanta, adding that it was working with Somali authorities to track down the pirates.
"The dhow, abandoned by the alleged pirates on the northwestern coast of Somalia, was closely tracked and monitored by the operation's flagship ... and an Indian Navy warship," it said in a statement on Tuesday.
"The pirate ... group operating in the area has been definitely disrupted."
The pirates had seized the dhow, a fishing vessel, early this month and used it days later to board the Maltese-flagged tanker, the Hellas Aphrodite, carrying gasoline to South Africa from India.
The EU naval force secured the tanker on Friday.
(Reporting by Vincent Mumo Nzilani and George Obulutsa; Editing by Alexander Winning and Clarence Fernandez)
Maritime security refers to the protection of vessels, ports, and maritime trade from threats such as piracy, terrorism, and smuggling, ensuring safe navigation and trade across the world's oceans.
Piracy involves acts of robbery or criminal violence at sea, typically targeting commercial vessels. It poses significant risks to international shipping and trade.
An oil products tanker is a type of ship specifically designed to transport refined petroleum products, such as gasoline and diesel, across oceans and seas.
The European Union naval force conducts operations to enhance maritime security, combat piracy, and protect shipping routes, particularly in regions like the Horn of Africa.
Shipping lanes are vital routes used by vessels for transporting goods and energy. Their security is crucial for global trade and economic stability.
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