Rota, 24 May 2024 – Operation ATALANTA confirms the liberation of the Liberian-flagged Merchant Vessel BASILISK. The 17 crewmembers are safe, and the ship has been secured by one ATALANTA vessel.
The ship was attacked by suspected pirates yesterday 23 May whilst transiting the Indian Ocean, sailing approximately 380 nautical miles east of Mogadishu, Somalia, heading North.
Thursday night, the ATALANTA warship patrolling the area arrived, and the ATALANTA forces went on board the vessel using the Fast-Rope technique from the helicopter.
During the attack of the suspected pirates, one of the crew was injured. He is in a stable condition and has received medical attention on board by ATALANTA medical team.
Throughout the complete event, the Operation ATALANTA was in permanent contact with the ship-owner company and the Flagship State.
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.
