The 'Canarias' frigate rescues personnel from Somali Armed Forces in waters of the Indian Ocean

·        The Spanish ship takes part in the European Union Operation Atalanta.

On Sunday 20^th October the European Union Operation 'Atalanta', led by Spain, received a request for help from a ship belonging to the Somali Armed Forces that was drifting due to a mechanical failure.

The European Naval Force (EUNAVFOR) deployed a P3 Orion maritime patrol aircraft belonging to the Spanish Air Force, in order to determine the exact location of the ship. After contacting and coordinating with the Somali Navy and the Mogadishu port police, the Operational Headquarters of Operation Atalanta (OHQ) decided to send its nearest frigate, the 'Canarias', to assist the personnel in danger.

A few hours later, a team from the Special Naval Warfare Force of the Spanish ship arrived to the Somali ship to check the sailors’ conditions and tow them to the frigate. Once on board, they were provided with medical assistance, food, water and technical support before being transferred to a safe place.

"Our personnel have responded to this emergency in a successful and efficient manner," said General Antonio Planells Palau, Commander of the Operation Atalanta since 1^st October.

The main missions of the European Union's operation, led from its Headquarters at the Rota Naval Base (Cadiz) since 29^th March, are to eradicate piracy in the area, to protect World Food Programme ships, to monitor fishing activities off the coast of Somalia and to support other EU missions and programmes in the region.