EU Naval Force - Somalia
Operation ATALANTA

Today the EU NAVFOR Belgian warship LOUISE-MARIE discovered a sinking skiff with forty six people on board. LOUISE-MARIE provided assistance and brought the people on board for basic medical care.

The EU NAVFOR Belgian warship LOUISE-MARIE, participating in the European Operation Atalanta, was tasked to patrol in the International Recommended Transit Corridor in the Gulf of Aden. At 08 o’clock on the 14 September, ship’s lookouts observed a skiff sinking with people already in the water. LOUISE-MARIE quickly responded, maneuvering in an attempt to rescue people in the water with her ship’s boats. Her helicopter was also airborne to continue the search for further survivors.  Thirty-eight survivors are currently on board of EU NAVFOR LOUISE-MARIE, receiving medical treatment, drinks and food. After a considerable search of the area there appears to be no sign of the 8 people missing.

Form the survivors it appears that the ship began sinking at 05 o’clock in the morning. LOUISE-MARIE maintains her helicopter airborne and is supported by a Japanese Maritime Patrol Aircraft to continue in the search and rescue mission for other possible survivors. This will be terminated in the next hour.