On Tuesday 15 December 2015, the Lithuanian maritime protection team that has been embarked in World Food Programme (WFP) vessel, MV Douro, since the start of August, handed over their important role to a new Lithuanian crew.
The out-going team had spent more than 100 days at sea on board MV Douro, providing the vessel with much-needed protection against any potential pirate attack as it sailed along the Somali coastline to deliver humanitarian aid to the Somali people.
The new Lithuanian maritime protection team will remain on board MV Douro for the next four months.
Because of the close protection they receive at sea, no WFP ships have been attacked by pirates since the launch of Operation Atalanta in December 2009.
The out-going team had spent more than 100 days at sea on board MV Douro, providing the vessel with much-needed protection against any potential pirate attack as it sailed along the Somali coastline to deliver humanitarian aid to the Somali people.
The new Lithuanian maritime protection team will remain on board MV Douro for the next four months.
Because of the close protection they receive at sea, no WFP ships have been attacked by pirates since the launch of Operation Atalanta in December 2009.