EU Naval Forces Free Hijacked Tanker And Its 24 Crew From Pirates In The Indian Ocean

European Union Naval Forces under Operation Atalanta successfully freed the Maltese-flagged tanker Hellas Aphrodite on Thursday afternoon, 7 November 2025, after it was hijacked by pirates in the Indian Ocean.

The vessel’s 24-member crew was found safe and uninjured, according to reports from Operation Atalanta. The crew had taken refuge in the ship’s citadel during the attack and maintained communication with the naval operation’s headquarters throughout the ordeal.

The piracy incident occurred on the morning of 6 November, when a Pirate Action Group (PAG) boarded the merchant tanker approximately 700 nautical miles from Mogadishu. Following the distress alert, Operation Atalanta immediately deployed air and naval assets to the area to respond to the situation.

After an initial show of force, the pirates abandoned the vessel, allowing Atalanta forces to move in and secure it.

The Spanish Navy’s flagship ESPS Victoria led the operation, supported by its onboard helicopter, an uncrewed aerial vehicle (UAV), a maritime patrol and reconnaissance aircraft, and a special operations team.

Authorities have begun gathering data and evidence to aid in the legal prosecution of the suspected pirates if they are captured. Operation Atalanta, in coordination with regional maritime security partners, continues to search for the Pirate Action Group believed to still be operating in the area.

Officials stated that close cooperation with regional and international forces played a crucial role in the successful rescue.

The mission involved coordination with the Combined Maritime Forces’ Japanese P3C aircraft, Maritime Reconnaissance Patrol Aircraft, Puntland authorities, Seychelles and the Spanish Joint Operations Command.

Continuous communication was maintained with the tanker’s flag state, company representatives, and crew families during the operation.

The threat level in the surrounding area remains critical, as the pirates’ mother ship is still believed to be active nearby. A joint international operation is underway to locate and intercept the dhow used in the attack.

Operation Atalanta has urged merchant and vulnerable vessels transiting the Indian Ocean to register with the Maritime Security Centre Indian Ocean (MSCIO) under its Voluntary Registration Scheme (VRS).

The naval task force said this system ensures effective monitoring and faster response against piracy and other maritime threats.

Reference: Eunavfor

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