February 2011

The MV IZUMI, which was pirated on 10 October 2010, was released from pirate control on 25 February. 

The sixth of the Maestrale Class Frigate “ESPERO” has joined the EUNAVFOR. Commanded by Commander Vito Lacerenza, the ship and its crew are fully prepared and trained to take an active part within TF 465 and in all anti piracy operations.

EU NAVFOR welcomes the Spanish Patrol Vessel INFANTA ELENA On the 26 of February, Spanish Patrol Vessel P-76 INFANTA ELENA joined the EUNAVFOR Task Force 465.

Italian frigate ZEFFIRO leaves EU NAVFOR after two months of valuable contribution.

At approximately 0600Z on 28 February, the Bulk Cargo Carrier MV DOVER was pirated approximately 260 nautical miles North East of Salalah in the North Arabian Sea.

 Late on the evening of 23 February, EUNAVFOR warships in the Arabian Sea were alerted that an incident had occurred on board a German owned container vessel, 155 Nautical miles South East of the island of Socotra, resulting in burns to one of the crew.

On the 13 February, the Yemeni Fishing Vessel ALFARDOUS was believed to have been pirated close to Socotra Island in the Gulf of Aden.

 On Tuesday 15 February, EUNAVFOR Force Commander, Rear-Admiral Juan Rodriguez met Rear Admiral Zhang Huachen, Commander of Chinese Force deployed in Gulf of Aden (TF-529).

On the afternoon of 12 February, the MV SININ is believed to have been pirated approximately 350 nautical miles East of Masirah (Oman) in the North Arabian Sea.

On 10 February, the EUNAVFOR warship FNS POHJANMAA secured and assisted the fishing vessel GOLDEN WAVE after a request to assist from the South Korean government.  The vessel was attacked on 9 October 2010 and had been in the hands of pirates for 123 days.

In the early morning of 9 February, EU NAVFOR received reports that the South Korean Fishing Vessel Golden Wave had been released from pirate control.

At approximately 1000Z on 9 February, the Very Large Crude Carrier MV IRENE SL was pirated approximately 350 nautical miles South East of Muscat in the North Arabian Sea.

In the early hours of 8 February, the Oil Tanker MV SAVINA CAYLYN was pirated approximately 670 nautical milesEast of Socotra Island in the Indian Ocean.  The vessel was boarded after a sustained attack by one skiff with 5 suspected pirates firing small arms and 4 rocket pro

On 6 February, The French Frigate GUEPRATTE joined the EUNAVFOR Operation ATALANTA Task Force, CTF 465.

 On 7 February, the French frigate ACONIT completed her deployment as part of the EU NAVFOR Task Force after 34 days proudly flying the European Flag.

 On the 23rd January 2011 the first stores to be moved by EUNAVFOR utilising ATARES (Air Transport and Air to Air Refuelling Exchange of Services) hours arrived in Djibouti.