EU Naval Drive Operation (EUNAVFOR) ATALANTA intervened in an alleged piracy-related incident involving the Iranian-flagged fishing boat AL-MERAJ 1 off the coast of Somalia.
The incident befell on November 22 when the Commander of the Somali Coast Guard alerted the EUNAVFOR Joint Operations Centre in regards to the abduction of an Iranian-flagged fishing dhow close to Eyl (Puntland, Somalia).
Operation ATALANTA intently monitored the dhow for greater than 230 nautical miles off the coast of Somalia, offering data to maritime site visitors to stop any potential menace from the alleged pirates. The operation additionally concerned the deployment of an unarmed drone.
After dropping its two towed skiffs as a consequence of hostile climate circumstances, the AL-MERAJ 1 modified its course and headed in the direction of the Puntland coast. It will definitely reached Somali territorial waters, and its final recognized place was shared with the Somali police forces.
The incident highlights the importance of the EU’s ongoing presence within the area for safeguarding navigation freedom and upholding worldwide legal guidelines in collaboration with related stakeholders. EU NAVFOR Operation ATALANTA is a counter-piracy operation that has been working off the Horn of Africa and Western Indian Ocean since 2008. On the peak of piracy in January 2011, 736 hostages and 32 ships had been being held by pirates. Nevertheless, the final piracy incident within the area occurred in 2019, in accordance with EUNAVFOR.
Regardless of a dramatic discount within the variety of piracy incidents over the previous decade, Operation ATALANTA’s mandate has been prolonged to December 2024.
EU NAVFOR recommends that service provider and susceptible vessels register within the Maritime Safety Centre – Horn of Africa’s Voluntary Registration Scheme for enhanced monitoring and response to maritime safety threats.
Presently, Operation ATALANTA has deployed the flagship Italian DURAND DE LA PENNE, geared up with the NH90 helicopter, the Spanish warship VICTORIA with the AB212 helicopter, the Particular Operations Forces Group, and a drone. The Maritime Patrol and Recognition Plane VIGMA D4 additionally contribute to the operation within the Space of Operations.
