Rota, 1 December 2023 – The European Union Naval Force Operation (EUNAVFOR) ATALANTA has successfully tackled the alleged piracy-related incident involving the Iranian-flagged fishing boat “AL-MERAJ 1” off the coast of Somalia. The EUNAVFOR action has included the transfer of the last known position of the fishing boat to the Somali police forces.
The operation has been coordinated between the EU authorities, including the EU embassy in Mogadishu, and the Somali authorities. Eventually, Somali police forces took over the escort to shore, and for following actions with regard to the suspected pirates. Many of these Somali forces have participated in training exercises with EUNAVFOR warships, in cooperation with the EU Capacity Building Mission in Somalia (EUCAP Somalia). The acquired knowledge and mutual trust ensured an effective and safe transfer.
Events started on 22 November, when the EUNAVFOR Joint Operations Centre was alerted by the Commander of the Somali Coast Guard, about the abduction of an Iranian-flagged fishing dhow off the coast of Eyl (Puntland, Somalia). From that time on, Operation ATALANTA monitored the dhow closely for more than 230 nautical miles away from the coast of Somalia, informing the maritime traffic, hence contributing to prevent the alleged pirates from posing any threat. The operation included the deployment of an unarmed drone.
Ultimately, having also lost its two towed skiffs in adverse weather, closely monitored by ATALANTA units, “AL MERAJ 1” reversed course toward the Puntland coast and reached the Somalia territorial waters, where its last known position was communicated to the Somali police forces.
This event highlights the relevance of the EU presence in the region to contribute to the freedom of navigation and the enforcement of the international laws, in cooperation with all relevant stakeholders.
The last piracy incident in the region took place in 2019. EUNAVFOR remains vigilant to any maritime security events in its Area of Operations. Operation ATALANTA strongly recommends merchant and other vulnerable vessels to register in the Maritime Security Centre- Horn of Africa's Voluntary Registration Scheme, to provide the most effective monitoring and response by ATALANTA forces and their partners in countering maritime security threats.
Currently, Operation ATALANTA has deployed in the Area of Operations: the flagship Italian DURAND DE LA PENNE with its helicopter NH90; the Spanish warship VICTORIA with its helicopter AB212, the Special Operations Forces Team, and a drone; and the Maritime Patrol and Recognition Aircraft VIGMA D4.
