Dear reader,
As the year advances, the trend in piracy-related incidents taking place in the Area of Operations remains constant. This month we faced a new case with the hijacking of a Yemeni-flagged fishing vessel, and its eventual release without further consequences. As such, we are once again highlighting the threat posed by these criminal networks.
In order to achieve our objectives during this time of the year, when weather conditions are more favourable for navigation, we count on the flagship of the Operation, ITS LUIGI RIZZO, in addition to the ESPS REINA SOFIA. These two warships are joined by the MPA VIGMA D4, which is capable of monitoring the areas of greater interest to ATALANTA. All these assets provide the Force Commander with the capacity to face incidents in the Area of Operations.
I would like to highlight that, during the past month, EUNAVFOR ATALANTA forces conducted two joint operations with very different partners. We took part in operation USHIRIKIANO 3, which, under the coordination of the Regional Coordination Operations Centre (RCOC) in Seychelles, allowed us to work alongside the Kenyan Navy in monitoring and deterring suspicious activities in specific areas near the Seychelles.
Also, we have participated in joint patrols with our partners from the Combined Maritime Forces (CMF), focused in counter-piracy. This operation showed once again, the commitment of both forces in countering and suppressing this threat, which is expected to remain.
Vice Admiral Ignacio Villanueva Serrano
EUNAVFOR ATALANTA Operation Commander
On 19 and 20 March, ATALANTA’s Operation Commander attended the European Shipping Summit 2025. The event took place at the Royal Museum of Fine Arts in Brussels. The two-day event included twelve engaging industry sessions, networking opportunities, and high-level dialogues featuring European and international policymakers, regulators, and industry stakeholders.
During the port visit to Muscat in Oman on 3 March, Operation ATALANTA’s flagship ITS RIZZO welcomed the ambassadors and chargés d’affaires to Oman from Cyprus, Germany, Hungary, Italy, the Netherlands, Romania, Spain, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom.
Operation ATALANTA Force Commander, Rear Admiral Davide Da Pozzo, briefed them on the current activities of ATALANTA.
The meeting provided an opportunity for dialogue on security and stability issues in the region. It also emphasized the significance and effectiveness of cooperation in maritime security in the Indian Ocean.
On 8 March, Operation ATALANTA asset ESPS REINA SOFIA’s Commanding Officer met with local leaders from the area of the coast of Hafun, Somalia.
The meeting aboard the frigate focused on informing about the Operation and exchange views on the evolution of illegal activities in this region.
Atalanta is committed to building relationships with local communities based on trust and mutual understanding.
On 11 March, Operation ATALANTA asset ESPS REINA SOFIA and ROKS KANG GAM-CHAN, from the Combined Maritime Forces, conducted a joint activity at sea. The activity included Division Tactical manoeuvres and joint Visit, Board, Search & Seizure operations (VBSS). These exercises increase the interoperability between participating units to better coordinate in the area.
From 19 to 22 March, EUNAVFOR ATALANTA ESPS REINA SOFIA took part in the preventive operation “USHIRIKIANO 3”, coordinated by the Regional Coordination Operations Centre (RCOC) of Seychelles, and with the participation of the Kenyan Navy warship JASIRI.
The area of operations was identified in coordination with the Regional Maritime Information Fusion Centre (RMIFC) in Madagascar, and covered zones of suspicious activity for illegal trafficking and IUU fishing.
On 20 March, the Yemeni-flagged dhow “AL-HIDAYA” was released. It was hijacked off Durdura, in the vicinity of Eyl, Northern coast of Puntland (Somalia). The hijackers abandoned the dhow in the vicinity of Dhinowda, location south of the position where the incident initially started on 16 March.
On 21 March early in the morning, EUNAVFOR ATALANTA conducted a friendly approach to assist the crew and gather information and evidence from the fishing vessel. The eight Somali crew members on board were safe.
On 23 and 24 March, EUNAVFOR ATALANTA ESPS REINA SOFIA visited the port of Antsiranana in Madagascar. The warship received on board several local authorities and had the opportunity to brief them on ATALANTA's activities, achievements and challenges. The Madagascar naval forces also took part in a first aid and fire-fighting exercise on board.
In March, EUNAVFOR ATALANTA social media promoted the publications of the Weekly Threat Assessments and Industry Releasable Threat Bulletins (IRTB) on the Maritime Security Centre Indian Ocean (MSCIO) website.
The Weekly Threat Assessment compiles all incidents that have occurred in the operational area during the previous week. In addition, these reports update the information already published in the IRTB, which are focused on specific relevant incidents. In both documents you will find detailed threat evaluations from ATALANTA's maritime security experts.
Please visit the MSCIO website at the following link: www.mscio.eu
During the month of March, EUNAVFOR ATALANTA included ships from Spain, Italy, France and Greece in different support levels.
On 8 March, EUNAVFOR ATALANTA joint the International Women’s Day celebration, expressing the sincere pride in being part of the global effort for women’s equality in any field.
On 29 March, EUNAVFOR ATALANTA's Operation Headquarters (OHQ) celebrated the 6th anniversary of its relocation to Rota, Spain.
This strategic level headquarters provides direction and guidance to the ATALANTA Force structure in the endeavour to provide security and freedom of navigation in the Area of Operations.
