New Casualty - HELLAS APHRODITE - Piracy
Incident Date: 6th November 2025
Vessel: HELLAS APHRODITE
IMO No.: 9722766
Type: Oil/Chemical Tanker
Incident: Piracy
W.E. Cox have learned of an incident involving the HELLAS APHRODITE, a Malta Flag, 29,410GT, 183m, oil/chemical tanker vessel, which has been hijacked about 500nm off Mogadishu, Somalia whilst enroute from Sikka, India to Durban, South Africa carrying gasoline.
This Incident occurred following an attempt, just 3 days earlier, to hijack another oil/tanker (STOLT SAGALAND) off the coast of Mogadishu. There appears to be a resurgence of piracy threats in this area which means that ship interests will need to take enhanced measures to avoid any pirate attacks.
We understand that the HELLAS APHRODITE had no armed security team on board and that pirates had fired machine guns and rocket propelled grenades prior to boarding her. Other vessels in the area have since been alerted to this incident.
Fortunately, all crew members are currently in the HELLAS APHRODITE’s safe room.
The HELLAS APHRODITE is owned/managed by Latsco Shipping Limited and/or Uckfield Marine S.A.
As a result of this recent casualty, cargo deliveries will likely be delayed, with potential cargo loss and damage if delivered. The situation may also give rise to General Average that will require Cargo interests to provide General Average Security prior to cargo being released at destination.
If you are aware of any involvement in this casualty and W E Cox Claims Group may be of assistance in any way, including provision of securities, arranging surveys, adjusting any potential losses &/or undertaking recovery action, please do not hesitate to contact us. As appropriate, please contact:
United Kingdom – Paul Friett cargoclaims@w-e-cox.co.uk
France – Marie-Laure Mirrione MarieLaureMirrione@w-e-cox.eu
Europe – John Jackson Johnjackson@cwhji.com
Hong Kong – Twinnie Lai twinnie@ceemis.com.hk
Singapore – Paul Sansom psansom@w-e-cox.com.sg
USA – Joshua Gayer jgayer@w-e-cox.com
Australia – Niall Orr norr@w-e-cox.com.au
If this or future casualty notices should be forwarded to any of your colleagues, we would be pleased to receive their contact details and we will add them to our Client List.
