EU Naval Force - Somalia
Operation ATALANTA

Despite increased tension in Mogadishu and a heightened pirate threat, the EU NAVFOR warship Louise-Marie escorted African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) ship Alpha Kirawira from Mombasa to Mogadishu.

On 29 November EU NAVFOR Belgian warship Louise-Marie was tasked to escort the 1274-ton merchant vessel Alpha Kirawira from Mombasa to Mogadishu. A routine job for the Louise-Marie, but due to high tension and increased threat, the escort was risky and perilous.

The Kenyan built MV Alpha Kirawira participates in the AMISOM-program. Her cruising speed is just 7 knots which makes her a vulnerable ship to pirate attacks.

The EU NAVFOR warship Louise-Marie ensured a safe transit for the MV Alpha Kirawira by using her helicopter and long range sensors, implementing force protection measures and manoeuvring in order to be able to react quickly and to protect the vulnerable ship. On arrival on 1 December in the vicinity of Mogadishu, extra precautions were taken by EU NAVFOR warship Louise-Marie due to the risks of attack and finally MV Alpha Kirawira arrived safely in Mogadishu.