The frigate 'Santa Maria' calls at Mombasa port

• The vessel is in the Indian Ocean taking part in operation ‘Atalanta’

The frigate ‘Santa Maria’ has called at the Kenyan port of Mombasa, during its deployment in Operation ‘Atalanta’, which provides surveillance and deterrence against piracy and illicit trafficking in the Indian Ocean.

On her arrival at Mombasa, the ‘Santa María’ received on board the Spanish Ambassador to Kenya, Cristina Díaz Fernández-Gil and a delegation from the European Union (EU) in Kenya, a representation of the EU External Action Service in Brussels, representatives of the Kenyan Coast Guard, representatives of the Kenyan Navy, as well as various Kenyan civilian, military and police authorities.

During her stopover, the ‘Santa Maria’ carried out an Air Rescue Service (SAR) exercise together with Kenyan Coast Guard vessels. In addition, frigate crew met with the crew of a merchant ship to learn about the work of Operation Atalanta and to exchange knowledge and impressions about the risks and threats faced by the merchant community in this area of operations.

Likewise, conferences related to Maritime Security were given, highlighting the important contribution of Operation Atalanta in the protection of maritime security and collaboration in the fight against piracy in the area. During these activities, the relevance of the port of Mombasa for the international community and the cooperation of the European Union in the development of techniques, procedures and applications for the improvement of the search and rescue actions of the Kenyan Coast Guard were highlighted.