On November 6, a new act of piracy occurred in the Indian Ocean, targeting the chemical tanker Hellas Aphrodite under the flag of Malta. It is the second attack within a week, following the assault on the Stolt Sagaland on November 2.
According to Latsco Marine Management, the 50,000-ton vessel with 24 crew members on board came under attack about 560 nautical miles southeast of Eyl, Somalia.
Four armed men approached in a small speedboat, opened fire and managed to board the tanker.
Assistance was requested from European Union Naval Forces (EUNAVFOR) patrolling the region, and the managing company later confirmed that all crew members are safe.
At the time of the incident, Hellas Aphrodite was en route from Sikka, India, to Durban, South Africa, carrying a cargo of gasoline.
The Hellas Aphrodite is a 2016-built tanker measuring 183 meters in length, 32.24 meters in beam, and with a gross tonnage of 29,410.
