EU Naval Force - Somalia
Operation ATALANTA

EU NAVFOR Netherlands warship HNLMS EVERTSEN assisted the hijacked M/V IRENE E.M. after she had been released by pirates. EVERTSEN ensured that no pirates were left on board and provided security, food and water.

In the evening of 14 September, the hijacked M/V IRENE E.M was released by pirates after spending 5 months in pirate captivity. At 1829 local time M/V IRENE E.M. got  underway from the Somali coast to open sea and called the EU NAVFOR Netherlands warship HNLMS EVERTSEN who was patrolling the area. IRENE E.M stated in her call that all pirates had disembarked the ship and that she had fuel left for only a few hours sailing. The captain also reported that the 22 crew were in good health albeit hungry and thirsty as no food and water was left on board.

At 2000 local time a boarding party from EU NAVFOR ship EVERTSEN went on board the IRENE E.M. to check the safety of the ship and to provide humanitarian assistance to the crew. EVERTSEN is presently remaining close to IRENE E.M. to provide further assistance.