The crew of the M/V IRENE the bulk carrier recently released from pirate control off Somalia have received medical and logistic assistance from EU NAVFOR ship HNLMS EVERTSEN. The released ship has remained at anchor near the Somali coast due to a shortage of fuel to continue her journey.
On the evening of 15 September the owner reached an agreement allowing EU NAVFOR to provide fuel to M/V IRENE E.M as a tug or tanker would take several days to reach the Somali coast.
On Wednesday morning, the EVERTSEN positioned astern the MV IRENE EM, passing the necessary lines and equipment to conduct the refuel. Such an evolution is unusual for a warship which is used to receiving rather than delivering fuel. The fuel was provided safely and the M/V IRENE, with her released crew is now underway safely, heading to port, for the first time since her capture.
On the evening of 15 September the owner reached an agreement allowing EU NAVFOR to provide fuel to M/V IRENE E.M as a tug or tanker would take several days to reach the Somali coast.
On Wednesday morning, the EVERTSEN positioned astern the MV IRENE EM, passing the necessary lines and equipment to conduct the refuel. Such an evolution is unusual for a warship which is used to receiving rather than delivering fuel. The fuel was provided safely and the M/V IRENE, with her released crew is now underway safely, heading to port, for the first time since her capture.