On Saturday 26 September 2015, Dutch warship, HNLMS Groningen, which is currently deployed with Operation Atalanta as part of the European Union’s counter-piracy efforts off the coast of Somalia, gave medical treatment to a seafarer who had suffered a minor injury at sea.
After the Dutch marines were welcomed on board by the master and crew, and they explained the role of HNLMS Groningen to stop pirate attacks, they noticed that one of the seafarers had minor wounds to his hands.
The master and crew expressed their gratitude towards the EU’s presence, and the increased maritime safety in the region.
Meetings such as this at sea help to develop mutual trust and understanding between local seafarers and the EU Naval Force.