During her port visit to the Seychelles, ESPS Relampago’s crew took the opportunity to carry out a range of maritime training exercises with the Seychelles Maritime Police, Coastguard and Air force.

The first day of training focused on briefings about search and rescue (SAR) procedures, sea survival and the Global Maritime Distress System and Safety System (GMDSS). During the next few days the crews carried out practical first aid procedures and a simulated helicopter ditching exercise with rescue divers.

The training was part of Operation Atalanta’s important role to support the EU’s wider efforts to strengthen security and help regional states to develop their maritime capabilities in order to ensure that piracy remains suppressed in the Indian Ocean and Gulf of Aden.

During the visit, ESPS Relampago’s commanding officer, Lieutenant Commander Francisco Garcia Flores, also welcomed on board EU Ambassador, Lionel Majeste-Larrouy and the Seychelles Minister of Home Affairs, Mrs Mitcy Larue and her delegation.

At the end of her port visit, ESPS Relampago will return to her counter-piracy patrols in the Indian Ocean.