Dear reader,
This has been a period of high activity for the whole Operation, who have all demonstrated their high professionalism and competencies. For this reason, I take the opportunity of this newsletter to express my deep pride of commanding the people of EUNAVFOR Atalanta.
The most significant events in the area of operations were the piracy incidents involving the merchant vessels CHRYSTAL ARCTIC and BASILISK. Both very critical events, together with several suspicious approaches to other vessels, highlight the capabilities and intentions of the piracy networks. We must remain alert and prepared to react quickly and effectively, as we have done so far. The events of this month are a reminder, once again, that all actors involved in maritime security must be aware of their responsibilities in order to minimise the risks involved in crossing this complex area.
On the other hand, relations with Kenya have been strengthened and the recent joint exercise USALAMA BAHARINI is the best proof of this. I have been able to attend in person, together with the EU Ambassador for Kenya, HE Henriette Geiger, and the results have been excellent. I was struck by the readiness and the commitment of our forces to train together to improve their interoperability in the fight against maritime security threats.
Finally, the Industry Strategic Meeting – Maritime Security Dialogue meeting in Madrid was a success thanks to the excellent level of participation of all operations deployed in the area: EUNAVFOR ASPIDES, EMASOH AGENOR, the Combined Maritime Forces and EUNAVFOR ATALANTA, as well as a multitude of representatives from the international shipping industry, and other maritime security sectors. Thanks to this common effort it will be possible to take the necessary steps to ensure the secure of the flow of navigation and all seafarers in sailing in the Western Indian Ocean and Red Sea.
Vice Admiral Ignacio Villanueva Serrano
EUNAVFOR ATALANTA Operation Commander
During the month of May, up to five (5) bulletins on the piracy threat off the coast of Somalia issued on the MSCHOA website were promoted on EUNAVFOR ATALANTA's social media accounts for a wider dissemination of information. This updated version includes infographic data, a list of cases and the assessment of the EUNAVFOR analytic personnel.
From 21 to 24 May, a delegation from the European External Action Service - Strategic Planning for Crisis Management visited the EUNAVFOR Operation Headquarters (OHQ). The occasion of the visit was the Holistic Strategic Review process of the Operation. This process aims to review the activities carried out, the achievements, and the challenges to be faced by Operation ATALANTA in the medium and long term.
The delegation was received by the Operation Commander and Deputy Commander, and worked intensely with all branches of the OHQ.
On 22 May, EUNAVFOR ATALANTA Operation Commander, Vice Admiral Villanueva, and the Legal Advisor, Lieutenant Colonel Lorenzo participated in the regular United Nations forum "Contact Group on Illicit Maritime Activities in the Western Indian Ocean", this time held in Nairobi (Kenya).
The new geopolitical situation in the Area of Operations, including the recent piracy events in the Gulf of Aden and Horn of Africa formed the core of the Operation Commander’s presentation. He also explained the way ahead for EUNAVFOR ATALANTA, constantly adapting to the changing context of maritime security and facing new challenges in the region.
The EUNAVFOR Legal Advisor explained the LEGAL FINISH of the Operation, on which pivots all the actions carried out in maritime security, being a differential element with other forces deployed in the area and a guarantee of compliance with all international laws, especially United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.
On 24 May, during the exercise USALAMA BAHARINI, distinguished Kenyan and international authorities attended a demonstration, showcasing the efforts and collaboration invested in this training scenario. Both the EUNAVFOR Operation Commander and Force Commander were present in this demonstration, along with the EU Ambassador to Kenya HE Henriette Geiger.
The exercise USALAMA BAHARINI was jointly organized by EUNAVFOR ATALANTA, the Djibouti Code of Conduct Jeddah Amendment whose Secretariat is run by the International Maritime Organization (IMO), and the State Department for Shipping and Maritime Affairs of the Republic of Kenya. There has also been prominent support from the EU Delegation to Kenya, with the participation of EU Ambassador in the different parts of the exercise.
“Kenya and the EU have a common border, which is the sea, and the security and stability of the sea is the security and stability of our societies. We must open our eyes to the sea” Operation Commander Vice Admiral Villanueva.
From 30 to 31 May, Operation ATALANTA has gathered all international naval operation in the Northwest Indian Ocean, Gulf of Aden, the Gulf, and the Red Sea and the shipping industry in the “15th Industry Strategic Meeting - Maritime Security Dialogue” in Madrid.
The meeting was organised by the European Union Naval Force (EUNAVFOR) Operation ATALANTA and co-chaired by EUNAVFOR ASPIDES, and the Combined Maritime Forces (CMF) with Operation AGENOR as special guest. Together with the shipping industry they discussed the current threats in the maritime domain.
This event also addressed the maritime industry's request to streamline communication, with the aim of moving closer to the ideal of a ‘single point of contact’ for accessing information and requesting assistance. The discussions and outcomes of this meeting aimed at improving operational collaboration and providing practical information to all stakeholders engaged in maritime operations in the area.
On 3 May, Operation ATALANTA warship, ESPS CANARIAS, and South Korean ship ROKS DAE JO YEONG from Combined Task Force 151, Combined Maritime Forces, meet at sea.
Taking advantage of the occasion, the commanders of both units shared impressions on board the Spanish frigate to strengthen ties and collaboration in the shared Area of Operations.
On 3 May, Operation ATALANTA Force Commander Rear Admiral Francesco Saladino paid a visit to the other ATALANTA warship in the Area of Operations, ESPS CANARIAS.
The Force Commander exercises tactical command of all ATALANTA military forces in the Area of Operations from the Force Headquarters, currently on board the EUNAVFOR flagship ITS MARTINENGO.
On 7 May, Operation ATALANTA warship ESPS CANARIAS participated in the exercise BULLSHARK, which focused on the deployment and coordination of a large number of naval and air assets from the United States, Djibouti, France, and Spain.
The exchange of knowledge and experience strengthens trust and understanding between partners and guarantees the most effective and successful way to achieve common goals.
On 10 May 2024, Operation ATALANTA confirmed the suspicious approach to the Marshall Islands-flagged Merchant Vessel CHRYSTAL ARCTIC at 100 NM North of Bosasso (Somalia), and an exchange of fire between the security team of the Merchant Ship and a skiff with suspected pirates on board.
After the attack was repelled by the merchant ship’s private security team, ATALANTA warship ESPS CANARIAS was the first actor to respond. The frigate took charge of the 6 suspected pirates, securing their physical integrity due to the unsafe condition of their skiff and treating some of them with injuries of varied severity.
On 15 May 2024, Operation ATALANTA confirmed the handing over of the 6 alleged pirates who carried out the piracy attack on the Marshall Islands-flagged Merchant Vessel CHRYSTAL ARCTIC to Seychelles authorities.
Prior to the delivery, a commission consisting of the Minister of Internal Affairs, a representative of the National Information Sharing Coordination Centre and members of the Seychellois Police Department together with three representatives of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), went on board the ATALANTA frigate. The European Union Delegation to Mauritius also assisted in the coordination with the Seychelles authorities.
During the meeting, they were briefed on the circumstances of the case, which led to the alleged pirates being handed over to the appropriate Seychelles authorities, being now in custody and awaiting trial.
On 16 May, Operation ATALANTA flagship ITS MARTINENGO, escorted World Food Program vessel MV MSM DOLORES on her way through the Area of Operations. On this occasion, the Force Commander, Rear Admiral Francesco Saladino, had the opportunity to go on board the ship in order to strengthen cooperation with the WFP chartered vessel.
From 20 to 24 May, Operation ATALANTA conducted the joint multi-agency exercise USALAMA BAHARINI with Kenya for the first time. The exercise included the participation of the Kenyan Navy and Kenyan Coast Guard Service.
The main objective of this joint exercise was to enhance maritime security, cooperation, and dialogue on regional peace and security issues, as well as to share knowledge among all participants.
In addition, this framework has made it possible to strengthen the relationship between Kenyan naval units and EUNAVFOR ATALANTA and to increase mutual trust among participants.
On 24 May, Operation ATALANTA confirmed the liberation of the Liberian-flagged Merchant Vessel BASILISK. The 17 crewmembers were safe, and the ship was secured by one ATALANTA vessel.
The ship was attacked by suspected pirates on 23 May whilst transiting the Indian Ocean, sailing approximately 380 nautical miles east of Mogadishu, Somalia, heading north.
That night, the ATALANTA warship patrolling the area arrived, and ATALANTA Special Forces boarded the vessel using the Fast-Rope technique from the helicopter.
During the attack of the suspected pirates, one of the crew was injured. However, the injured received the appropriate medical attention by ATALANTA’s medical team.
Throughout the complete incident, Operation ATALANTA was in permanent contact with the ship-owner and the Flagship State.
On 9 May, EUNAVFOR celebrated Europe Day. Operation ATALANTA is an example of 16 member states and four countries supporting peace and security, sharing values that build the European Union.
On 10 May, more than 200 school kits were donated to Liam's Rainbow Foundation by the Italian Navy. The event took place on board ATALANTA's flagship ITS MARTINENGO, and was hosted by ATALANTA Force Commander, Rear Admiral Francesco Saladino.
From 13 to 17 May, the College of Auditor delegation, from the European Supreme Financial Court and Audit Institution, visited the OHQ to conduct the on-site phase of the external audit of Op. Atalanta.
This audit is carried out annually and examines the Operation’s budgeting, accounting and contractual management relating to assets, expenses, and contracts at all stages of the process.
On 15 May, EUNAVFOR ATALANTA’s Chief of Staff Captain Rafael Torrecillas attended via VTC the Independent Joint Evaluation of the Regional Program (RP) for Maritime Security in the Red Sea area.
The evaluation is being managed by an Evaluation Management Group with representation from each implementing partner: Intergovernmental Authority on Development - IGAD, International Maritime Organization, Interpol, and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime - UNODC.
ATALANTA was identified as a stakeholder in the program for the target countries Djibouti, Ethiopia, Somalia, Sudan and Yemen.
The Regional Program is funded by the EU and implemented by IGAD, IMO, Interpol and UNODC.
During the month of May, one Spanish frigate, three Italian and three French destroyers took part in different support modalities to EUNAVFOR ATALANTA. In addition, the Maritime Patrol and Reconnaissance Aircraft (MPRA), the Spanish Air Force's VIGMA-D4, was deployed in Djibouti.
