Latsco tanker liberated by naval forces off Somalia

EUNAVFOR Operation Atalanta noted on 7 November that co-ordinated efforts took place on the early afternoon of the same day to secure the 2016-built tanker.

The vessel’s crew of 24 remained unharmed, with no injuries reported. From the moment the pirates boarded, the seafarers had retreated to the citadel, maintaining direct contact with both Latsco Shipping and Operation Atalanta throughout the incident.

The mission added that, following an initial show of force, the pirates abandoned the tanker.

Operation Atalanta highlighted that the flagship ESPS Victoria, along with its organic helicopter, the uncrewed aerial vehicle, the maritime patrol and reconnaissance aircraft, and the special operations team, were all involved in the liberation of the vessel.

The operation also involved participation from Puntland authorities, Combined Maritime Forces Japanese P-3C aircraft, Seychelles maritime reconnaissance patrol aircraft, and the Spanish Joint Operations Command.

The mission further noted that data and evidence about the incident are being gathered to support the potential legal prosecution of the alleged pirates, should they be captured.

Ongoing threats in the area

Operation Atalanta emphasised that threats remain high in the region, as the pirates and their mothership are still active. “A co-ordinated joint operation is ongoing to intercept the dhow used in this attack,” the mission added.

The mission also recommended that merchant and other vulnerable vessels register in the MSCIO Voluntary Registration Scheme to ensure the most effective monitoring and response by naval forces and their partners in countering maritime security threats.

Initial incident reporting

Paris Kassidokostas-Latsis–backed Latsco Shipping said on 6 November that all 24 crew members of Hellas Aphrodite are safe and accounted for, adding that the company remains in close contact with the vessel.

The incident occurred at around 11:48 local time on 6 November, while Hellas Aphrodite – carrying a gasoline cargo – was transiting from Sikka, India, to Durban, South Africa, approximately 500 nautical miles off the Somali coast.

Maritime security firm Ambrey earlier reported that a Malta-flagged product tanker had been boarded by pirates, who approached the vessel in a skiff and opened fire before boarding. According to Ambrey, the assailants were operating from a hijacked Iran-flagged dhow named Issamohamadi.

Latsco said it has activated its emergency response team and is co-ordinating with relevant authorities to ensure the continued safety and welfare of the crew. 

Ambrey added that another tanker in the area had diverted course away from the affected zone.

Series of incidents

Operation Atalanta has recorded several piracy-related incidents off Somalia since 2 November, including the attack on Hellas Aphrodite.

On 2 November, fishing vessel Intertuna Tres reported being approached by a high-speed skiff. Security personnel on board fired two warning shots, prompting the skiff to retreat toward its suspected mothership.

Later that same day, bulk carrier Spar Apus reported that a boat with no AIS transmission and unresponsive to VHF calls approached its position. Spar Apus altered course and increased speed, distancing itself from the suspicious craft. Operation Atalanta noted that, in this incident, there were no signs of PAG activity.

On 3 November, chemical and oil products tanker Stolt Sagaland reported an attempted boarding by four unauthorised individuals from a small craft. After an exchange of gunfire, the attackers withdrew toward a mothership approximately five nautical miles away.

Piracy risks persist 

The ICC International Maritime Bureau (IMB) reported last month that no piracy incidents were recorded off Somalia or in the Gulf of Aden during Q3 2025, attributing the calm to southwest monsoon conditions. However, it urged vessels to remain vigilant, noting that 26 crew members were taken hostage from two fishing vessels and one dhow during the first half of 2025.

Overall, the IMB recorded 116 piracy incidents between January and September 2025, up from 79 in the same period last year – the highest nine-month total since 2021. These included 102 vessels boarded, nine attempted boardings, four hijackings, and one vessel fired upon.