EU NAVFOR Spanish warship NUMANCIA meets fishing vessels in the Indian Ocean

July 24, 2009 - 12:16

EU NAVFOR Spanish warship NUMANCIA, flagship of EU NAVFOR’s Operation Atalanta, has been patrolling the eastern waters of Somalia and Kenya where French and Spanish tuna fishing fleets operate.

NUMANCIA’s helicopter located a fleet of EU fishing vessels and established visual and radio communications. The frigate joined the vessels reassuring them against pirates with her presence and offered support. Afterwards, Captain EU NAVFOR’s Force Commander Juan Garat visited the Spanish tuna fishing vessel CAMPOLIBRE ALAI and met the crew. This was a good opportunity for the fishing vessels to learn more about Operation Atalanta, and the task that EU has undertaken in the fight against piracy in these waters.