The Italian warship ITS Euro has recently escorted World Food Programme (WFP) chartered vessel MV Apollonas in the Gulf of Aden. When chartered by the WFP, the vessel transports food-aid around the region. ITS Euro was on-hand to ensure she was able to transit the area safely without fear of pirate attack.
At the beginning of the escort, ITS Euro’s AB-212 helicopter transferred a team to MV Apollonas in order to explain to her Captain the escort procedures to ensure both ships were kept safe.
Thanks to these escorts the EU Naval Force has enabled the WFP to safely deliver humanitarian aid to areas of Somalia hardest hit by food shortages. As well as providing escort to vulnerable vessels, Op Atalanta ships patrol the seas off Somalia to ensure pirates are unable to operate and seafarers are able to use the waters safely.