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.
Greek shipping company Latsco Marine Management confirmed the attack on a ship carrying gasoline, stating all of the ship's 24 crew were 'safe and accounted for' and that they remain in close contact with them.
The crew have taken shelter in the ship's fortified safe room, Reuters reports, with European Union naval forces operating in the area requested for assistance.
The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) stated that the raid happened about 560 nautical miles southeast of the Somali town of Eyl. 'The Master of a vessel has reported being approached by one small craft on its stern. The small craft fired small arms and RPGs towards the vessel,' UKMTO said in a statement.
Private security firm Ambrey indicated the attackers were likely Somali pirates, who have displayed increased activity in the region lately.
According to Latsco, the attack on the Malta-registered vessel occurred around 11:48 local time (08:48 GMT). 'Latsco has activated its emergency response team and is coordinating with relevant authorities to ensure the continued safety and welfare of the crew,' they added.
The vessel, named Hellas Aphrodite, built in 2016, was en route from Sikka, India, to Durban, South Africa.
This incident follows a concerning resurgence of piracy in the region, which had significantly declined in recent years after peaking over a decade ago. There were at least seven reported piracy incidents last year, and several fishing vessels have already been seized by pirates this year, according to the International Maritime Bureau.
