On Thursday 18 June 2015, Operation Atalanta warship, ITS Libeccio, responded to a distress call from an Italian-flagged merchant vessel, MV Roberto Rizzo, after it became adrift 55 nautical miles off the coast of Somalia.
MV Roberto Rizzo had been en route to China when it developed serious engine problems. Its close proximity to the coast made it vulnerable to potential pirate attack.
As ITS Libeccio’s helicopter hovered overhead, Italian Navy engineers quickly carried out repairs on the stricken engine.
Speaking about the assistance given by the Italian warship, the master of MV Roberto Rizzo, Nicolae Anthofie, stated “I wish to express my sincere gratitude to the crew of ITS Libeccio for their timely assistance.”