The BAM 'Audaz' continues to support EU initiatives and calls at São Tome

• The Armed Forces project their presence in the Gulf of Guinea through activities in São Tomé and Príncipe waters, in coordination and support of different European Union activities.

As part of its deployment in the Gulf of Guinea within the scope of the EU's Coordinated Maritime Presences (CMP), the Maritime Action Ship (BAM) "Audaz" has participated in some events of the EU PASSMAR programme and has been anchored in the port of Sao Tome, carrying out activities of presence, military cooperation and support to the external action of the State.

EU-PASSMAR and BAM "Audaz".

PASSMAR is an EU-funded programme to support the deployment of the security strategy in Central Africa. The general objective of this programme is to increase maritime security in the Gulf of Guinea by reinforcing the legal and institutional framework and operational support for the capacities of the coastal countries. On 12 April, as part of the EU's PASSMAR programme, the BAM "Audaz" took part in a boarding exercise in the waters off São Tomé and Príncipe for the benefit of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime's Maritime Crime Programme, simulating a pirated vessel with links to drug and arms smuggling. The Sao Tome and Principe Coast Guard boarded it using its vessel "Contador" and a team of riflemen, and the Sao Tome and Principe Judicial Police were able to train in the search and seizure of evidence at a maritime scene. It should be noted that the combined use of European means and resources in this region allows the contribution to maritime security in the Gulf of Guinea to be multiplied.

Port of call in Sao Tome

On its arrival in São Tomé on 9 April, the BAM "Audaz" anchored off the city and hosted Ramón Molina Lladó, Spain's ambassador to São Tomé and Príncipe, on board. During the stopover, meetings were held with regional and military authorities, and on 11 April a reception was held on board presided over by the ambassador and attended by high-ranking state authorities. There was also a programme of military cooperation activities with the Coast Guard, including diving and boarding training. All these activities contribute to reinforcing the State's external action, and deliver a message of commitment to Sao Tome and Principe.

Combined patrol in the Gulf of Guinea

In addition, three members of the Sao Tome and Principe Coast Guard sailed aboard the BAM "Audaz" for a two-day combined patrol in the waters of the Gulf of Guinea. In this way, both armed forces have worked together in the fight against the threats to maritime security that threaten this region, particularly piracy and illegal, unreported and undeclared fishing.

Coordinated EU Maritime Missions

Taking advantage of the presence of the Portuguese patrol vessel NRP "Zaire" in the area, both vessels met at sea and carried out a series of exercises (Passing Exercise) for mutual benefit, including boardings, sea evolutions and manoeuvring exercises. These activities are carried out within the framework of the EU's FPAs, the objective of which is to ensure a permanent maritime presence and availability in the Gulf of Guinea, to promote international maritime cooperation and to provide greater European operational capacity. It should be noted that Spain, as a partner fully committed to European security and defence, is one of the main contributors to this EU initiative.