The frigate ‘Canarias’ calls at the port of Victoria

• The vessel has maintained close contact with Spanish maritime interests during this logistical and operational stopover

The frigate ‘Canarias’, part of the European Union’s EUNAVFOR Atalanta operation, has completed a logistical and operational stopover in the port of Victoria (Seychelles). This visit marks the ship’s first contact with the archipelago since it began its deployment last February, after relieving the frigate ‘Victoria’.

During its stay, the crew of the ‘Canarias’ maintained close contact with Spanish maritime interests in the region. A delegation from the crew of the ‘Canarias’ visited the crew of the Spanish-flagged tuna vessel ‘Euskadi Alai’, which normally operates from the Republic of Seychelles.

Likewise, members of the Spanish-flagged fishing vessel ‘TXORI ARGI’ were welcomed aboard the Spanish Navy frigate. The fishermen were able to see first-hand the technological and operational capabilities that the frigate ‘Canarias’ brings to the protection of national interests and security in the Indian Ocean.

These meetings strengthen cooperation and the exchange of information between the Navy and the fishing fleet, which usually operates from the archipelago in the Indian Ocean, with a significant presence of Spanish crew members.

The presence of naval units in Operation Atalanta is essential for deterring piracy and ensuring freedom of navigation in this area of high strategic importance. As a sign of our commitment to the region’s security, Spain has been the only European Union country to have participated continuously in the operation since its launch 16 years ago, as well as leading the operation from its headquarters in Rota since 2019.

After completing its port call, the frigate is sailing off the east coast of Somalia to continue its maritime surveillance and security patrols.

Operation Atalanta: Spain’s firm commitment

Since its inception in 2008, Spain has been involved in ‘Atalanta’, and today it is the only European Union nation to have maintained an uninterrupted presence in the operation. With each rotation, our country reaffirms its commitment to regional stability and the security of international shipping lanes in the face of the threat of piracy and other criminal acts, as well as contributing to the protection of ships belonging to the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP).

At the end of 2024, the Council of the EU approved the extension of the operation’s mandate until 28^th February 2027, reflecting the achievements made and the challenges ahead. Over this period, the area of operations has been expanded through successive mandates and currently encompasses the Gulf of Aden and neighbouring countries, including the port and city of Muscat (Oman), the Somali Basin, the Red Sea and the Gulf of Suez and the Gulf of Aqaba.

Spain currently contributes approximately 350 military personnel and the following assets to the operation: the frigate `Canarias`; as well as the TAD `Orion` maritime reconnaissance and surveillance aircraft, which is deployed in Djibouti to operate throughout the inter-monsoon period

• The Operation Atalanta Headquarters (OHQ), located at the Rota naval base (Cádiz).
• The frigate `Canarias`, which has a combined ship-based air unit (UNAEMB) and a special operations team on board.
• A maritime reconnaissance and surveillance aircraft (TAD ‘Orion’) in Djibouti.
• Liaison officers located in Mogadishu (Somalia), Manama (Bahrain), Brussels (Belgium) and Port Victoria (Seychelles).
• Logistics Support Unit for the Operation deployed in Djibouti (Djibouti).