On Sunday 2 November 2014, EU Naval Force warship, HNLMS van Speijk, came to the assistance of local seafarers, after their boat suffered severe engine problems out to sea.
The Royal Netherlands Navy warship had been carrying out a friendly approach with local fishermen when the warship’s Boarding Team sighted the stricken vessel. The men on board were waving to attract the warship’s attention.
After approaching the vessel, HNLMS Van Speijk’s marine engineering team carried out an inspection, however, they were not able to repair the badly damaged engine at sea. As the seafarers were not able to get themselves back to the shore unaided, HNLMS van Speijk’s sea boat towed them back towards the Somali coast. As the seafarers approached safer waters, they thanked the EU Naval Force for the assistance.
After towing the vessel, HNLMS van Speijk resumed her EU counter-piracy patrols as part of Operation Atalanta.