In the early hours of November 7, 2025, piracy returned with a vengeance to the waters off Somalia, as the Malta-flagged tanker Hellas Aphrodite faced a harrowing attack while carrying gasoline from India to South Africa. The vessel, managed by the Greek company Latsco Marine Management, was suddenly targeted by armed assailants in a skiff, who opened fire and even launched a rocket-propelled grenade at the ship, according to both Reuters and maritime security firm Ambrey. The incident, which unfolded off the Somali coast, has reignited global concerns about the safety of vital shipping lanes that ferry energy and goods across the world.
Despite the violence, the crew of 24—led by a Montenegrin captain, with five Greek members including the chief engineer, and the remainder Filipinos—responded swiftly and decisively. They retreated into the ship’s fortified security room, known as the citadel, taking control of the situation and maintaining command of the vessel. In a statement released by Latsco Marine Management and cited by Reuters, the company confirmed, “All 24 crew members are safe and accounted for, and we are in constant contact with them.” The company added that it had activated its emergency response team and was working closely with authorities to ensure the crew’s ongoing safety and well-being.
As the tense standoff unfolded, maritime security officials from Diaplous and the British maritime risk management group Vanguard reported that the crew could hear noises on board, suggesting the pirates were still present or nearby. However, the full extent of the threat remained unclear. To complicate matters, a Japanese reconnaissance aircraft conducted a surveillance flight over the area but detected no movement or signs of activity on the ship, leaving officials to wonder whether the pirates had abandoned their effort or were lying in wait.
The European Union’s naval force, which has maintained a presence in the region for years to deter such attacks, quickly dispatched a warship to the scene. According to statements from the EU naval force, the vessel was “close to the scene of the incident and approaching, ready to take appropriate measures in response to this piracy alert.” The arrival of the warship was expected on November 8, 2025, underscoring the urgency and seriousness with which authorities treated the incident.
This attack is not an isolated event but part of a disturbing uptick in piracy and armed violence in the region. Maritime security sources told Reuters that this was the first suspected Somali pirate boarding in a year, signaling a possible resurgence of a threat that had been relatively dormant in recent times. In May 2024, a similar incident occurred when suspected pirates boarded the Liberian-flagged vessel Basilisk about 380 nautical miles east of Mogadishu. European Union forces intervened, rappelling onto the ship and rescuing all 17 crew members. The last successful hijacking in the area took place in December 2023, when the Maltese-flagged Ruen was seized and taken to the Somali coast. Indian naval forces later freed the crew and detained the attackers.
What’s driving this sudden resurgence in piracy? According to maritime security sources, Somali pirate groups have recently escalated their activities after years of relative quiet. Notably, pirates reportedly seized an Iranian fishing boat this week, intending to use it as a “mothership” to launch further attacks. This tactic, which involves using a larger vessel to support smaller attack boats, allows pirates to extend their operational reach and threaten a wider swath of shipping lanes.
Yet, Somali piracy is not the only threat facing ships in the region. Since November 2023, the Yemen-based Houthi militia, linked to Iran, has posed an even greater danger to maritime traffic through the Red Sea, which leads to the Gulf of Aden. The Houthis began attacking commercial ships in solidarity with Palestinians during Israel’s war in Gaza, as reported by Reuters and other outlets. While the militia has since agreed to a ceasefire regarding attacks on U.S.-affiliated vessels, the damage to shipping confidence has been done. Many companies remain hesitant to resume normal operations through these waters, wary of further violence or unexpected escalations.
For the international shipping industry, the stakes couldn’t be higher. The Gulf of Aden and surrounding waters are among the world’s most crucial maritime corridors, facilitating the flow of oil, natural gas, and consumer goods between Asia, Europe, and Africa. Disruptions here can have ripple effects on global supply chains, energy prices, and the broader economy. The recent attacks—whether by Somali pirates or the Houthi militia—have forced shipping lines to consider costly reroutes, increased insurance premiums, and additional security measures.
Historically, Somali piracy reached its peak between 2008 and 2012, when hundreds of vessels were attacked and millions of dollars were paid in ransoms. A combination of international naval patrols, improved on-board security, and regional cooperation eventually suppressed the threat, leading to several years of relative calm. But as the latest incidents show, the threat never truly disappeared. Economic hardship, political instability, and a lack of effective governance in Somalia continue to create fertile ground for pirate groups seeking quick profits.
The recent seizure of an Iranian fishing vessel as a mothership is a chilling reminder that pirates are adapting and evolving their tactics. Such motherships provide pirates with greater range, endurance, and the ability to launch coordinated attacks far from the Somali coast. This development, coupled with the ongoing volatility in Yemen and the wider region, means that shipping companies and international authorities must remain vigilant.
Despite the dangers, the crew of the Hellas Aphrodite demonstrated resilience and professionalism under pressure. Their ability to reach the citadel, maintain control of the vessel, and communicate with their company and authorities may well have prevented a more tragic outcome. As Latsco Marine Management emphasized, “We remain in close contact with them,” highlighting the importance of robust emergency protocols and international cooperation in such crises.
As the EU warship closes in and authorities assess the aftermath, the world’s eyes are once again fixed on the waters off Somalia. Will renewed international focus and naval presence be enough to deter future attacks? Or are we witnessing the start of a new, more dangerous era for maritime trade in this pivotal region? For now, shipping companies, crews, and global markets alike are watching, waiting, and hoping that the lessons of the past will help keep the seas safe for all.