Whilst on a routine counter-piracy patrol off the Somali coast, the Operation Atalanta Force Commander, Rear Admiral Gómez de Cordoba, who is embarked on the EU flagship, ESPS Galicia, visited the World Food Programme (WFP) vessel, MV Douro.

Rear Admiral de Cordoba met with MV Douro’s master and the EU Naval Force Serbian maritime protection team that is embarked on board.  He thanked the Serbian team for its important role in protecting MV Douro from potential pirate attacks as it transits along the Somali coast.

Since Operation Atalanta warships and maritime protection teams began protecting WFP vessels in 2009, nearly a million tonnes of aid destined for the Somali people has arrived safely into Somali ports.