Dear reader,
In August, the maritime security situation in the area of operation remained extremely volatile. Incidents in the Horn of Africa continued to occur regularly, fuelled by the uncertainty arising from the various conflicts in the region.
ATALANTA continues to devote the utmost attention to ongoing cases of piracy. At present, five merchant vessels remain in the hands of pirate groups, all held in Somali territorial waters off the north-eastern coast. The primary concern is for the crews of these vessels, particularly those who have been held captive for several months, such as the motor tanker HONOUR 25, which has been hijacked for more than 130 days. Our thoughts are also with the families, who are suffering deeply from the absence of their loved ones. Our determination to contribute with all our effort and capability towards the successful resolution of these cases remains unwavering.
Meanwhile, the Maritime Security Centre Indian Ocean (MSCIO) has been extremely busy this month, issuing as many as 20 alerts on various maritime security incidents in the region. These alerts place particular emphasis on updates concerning active piracy cases, reflecting the importance of sharing the latest available information. For ATALANTA, it is essential to maintain high levels of participation in our Voluntary Reporting Scheme and get timely incident reports, so that we are able to respond and, at the same time, keep the shipping industry and all other users of the security centre informed with the most current and valuable information at our disposal. In this way, we make a decisive contribution to a more secure navigation in the Indian Ocean and to a better readiness among crews of merchant vessels sailing through these waters.
Finally, I would like to highlight ATALANTA’s ability to support the European Union’s external action in the region, helping to maximise its impact and facilitate the achievement of its objectives. This month, the European Union Ambassador to Madagascar, H.E. Roland Kobia, visited ATALANTA flagship, together with European Union ambassadors to the country. ATALANTA’s role as an instrument of the European Union in the Indian Ocean continues to inspire us.
Vice Admiral Ignacio Villanueva Serrano
EUNAVFOR ATALANTA Operation Commander
In August, the latest piracy incident took place. On 20 August, the motor tanker SIBU I was hijacked by a Pirate Action Group off the east coast of Yemen while bound for Port Sudan
Operation ATALANTA continued to monitor the motor tanker HONOUR 25, hijacked on 21 April, followed by the merchant vessel SWARD, hijacked on 26 April, and the motor tanker EUREKA, hijacked off Qana Port, Yemen, on 2 May.
On 17 July, the motor tanker ASANA was also hijacked approximately 65NM southwest of Mukalla, Yemen, while proceeding towards the Somali coast.
Regarding the merchant vessel LUTUF, hijacked on 17 August approximately 4.5NM south of Maraya - Eyl, Somalia, Operation ATALANTA confirmed that the vessel was released and the incident is considered as closed.
Operation ATALANTA assets continue to closely monitor all ongoing piracy incidents in coordination with regional partners. Merchant vessels operating in the area are strongly advised to maintain heightened vigilance, adhere to BMP-MS, particularly within 150NM off the Somali coast between Mogadishu and Hafun where feasible, and report immediately any suspicious activity or relevant information to the ATALANTA Maritime Security Centre – Indian Ocean (MSCIO).
On 24 August, Operation ATALANTA OHQ staff participated in the Fifth Edition of the Regional Maritime Law Enforcement Dialogue (MLED) in Nairobi, Kenya.
Operation ATALANTA briefed the distinguished audience on the current maritime security situation and trends in the Western Indian Ocean.
The MLED objective for this edition was to strengthen cooperation, coordination, and information-sharing mechanism among regional maritime law enforcement agencies in response to emerging maritime security threats in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden.
The dialogue brought together representatives from coast guards, navies, customs authorities, and port administrations from Somalia, Djibouti, Ethiopia and Yemen. Regionals and international organisations, including UNODC, IMO, DCoC/JA, INTERPOL, CMF, EUCAP-S, and EU CRIMARIO, were also invited to contribute to discussions and share updates on relevant initiatives.
On 26 August, personnel from EUNAVFOR ASPIDES visited the ATALANTA Operations Headquarters in Rota, Spain. The visit was part of regular cooperation between the two EU naval operations and aimed to strengthen mutual support and synergies, particularly on political advice and strategic communications areas.
During this month ATALANTA has continued to monitor the merchant vessels included in the shadow fleet list established by the European Union. Up to 6 ships have been observed within the Area of Operation, reporting all the gathered information by the ATALANTA forces deployed in the region to the relevant EU authorities.
Since July 2025, the ATALANTA Maritime Security Center - Indian Ocean (MSCIO) has monitored almost 1,000 vessels belonging to the shadow fleet.
On 2 August, Operation ATALANTA Force Commander, Rear Admiral Javier Vazquez Sanz, visited the Japanese base in Djibouti.
He was welcomed by Deployment Support Element Group for Counter Piracy Forces (DGPE) Commanding officer, Colonel Sakaizawa.
The visit underscored the importance of maintaining close communication, practical cooperation and mutual understanding, while strengthening coordination in support of maritime security and regional stability.
From 14 to 18 August, EUNAVFOR ATALANTA flagship ESPS NUMANCIA conducted a port visit to Antsiranana, Madagascar, developing multiple activities.
First, on 14 August, Operation ATALANTA Force Commander, Rear Admiral Javier Vázquez, had a meeting with the Commander of Defense and Security Zone, Brigadier General Jactiana Fernand, and the Commander of the Naval Base, Captain Andry Guy Ohm Rafehizato.
These meetings provided an essential platform to review regional maritime security and strengthen practical cooperation between Operation ATALANTA and the Antsiranana Naval Base. In the afternoon, the Force Commander travelled to the Diana Region, where he met with the Chief of the Diana Region, General de Brigade Luis Francio Marovavv; the Prefect of Antsiranana, Mr. Huberto Dellaris; and the Regional Director of Agence Portuaire, Maritime et Fluviale - APMF, Mr. Zo-aina Andriamahazomanana.
This encounter made possible to address issues of common interests in the fields of maritime security and port development, underlining the importance of coordination between local institutions and operation ATALANTA.
On 17 August, staff from Operation ATALANTA flagship ESPS NUMANCIA conducted a Local Maritime Capacity Enhancement exercise with the Malagasy Navy. The main focus was firefighting procedures on board a warship.
Tactics, techniques and procedures were reviewed, culminating in a full practical exercise that applied the lessons learned and used complete firefighting equipment. The exchange of experience and knowledge helped both forces establish robust ties of trust and a clearer understanding of how to cooperate when facing any incident at sea.
On the same day, the Ambassador of the European Union to Madagascar, H.E. Roland Kobia, visited the ATALANTA flagship with the Ambassador of Germany, H.E. Olivier Knoerich; and the Second Advisor to the Embassy of France, Mr. Axel Champey.
The reception on board was attended by Malagasy civil and military authorities as well as EU representatives, reinforcing their shared commitment to a more secure Indian Ocean.
They also observed the local maritime capacity enhancement exercise that was conducted by Malagasy and ATALANTA personnel. At the end of the exercise, the EU Ambassador had the opportunity to speak with the Malagasy trainees and to listen to their experiences and impressions.
As part of its mandate, Operation ATALANTA supports the external action of the European Union and its Member States in the region, enhancing the impact of their activities.
In August, EUNAVFOR Operation ATALANTA social media and website promoted the Maritime Security Centre - Indian Ocean (MSCIO) alerts and reports on the five ongoing piracy cases and rest of incidents in the area of operation.
ATALANTA remains fully committed to share the most valuable and comprehensive information for a secure navigation in the Western Indian Ocean.
On 6 August, personnel from Operation ATALANTA ORION Detachment, visited the firefighting service facilities at the French Air Base 188 in Djibouti.
During the meeting, they gained first-hand knowledge of the organisation, capabilities and resources of the emergency personnel, fostering an exchange of experiences and mutual understanding.
With the regular presence of the crews and the D-4 VIGMA aircraft, it remains essential to maintain a safe and effective integration.
EUNAVFOR ATALANTA assets
In August, EUNAVFOR ATALANTA celebrated the following national day:
