URGENT: EU Forces Successfully Rescue Crew from Somali Pirate-Grabbed Tanker.

Breaking News: EU Forces Rescue Crew from Somali Pirate-Grabbed Tanker EU naval forces have successfully rescued 24 sailors from the Maltese-flagged oil tanker Hellas Aphrodite, which was attacked by pirates off the coast of Somalia 55 minutes ago. The crew was found unharmed and safe after Spanish warship ESPS Victoria, operating under the EU's anti-piracy mission Operation Atalanta, reached the tanker on Friday afternoon. The pirates, who opened fire with machine guns and rocket-propelled grenades, abandoned the ship before the warship arrived. The crew had locked themselves inside a fortified citadel during the attack. No injuries have been reported. The Hellas Aphrodite was seized by pirates on Thursday while carrying petrol from India to South Africa. The EU mission has confirmed that a "show of force" prompted the pirates to leave the ship. The threat risk in the area remains critical as the pirates are still in the vicinity. The EU mission is working to ensure the safe passage of the tanker and its crew. This is a developing story. We will provide updates as more information becomes available.