European Union Naval Force Somalia
Press release
Saturday, July 27, 2013
Whilst patrolling the seas off the coast of Somalia and in the Gulf
of Aden, EU Naval Force (EU NAVFOR) Somalia Operation Atalanta warships
often visit regional cargo and fishing dhows operating in these waters.
These 'friendly approaches', as they are known, are a chance for the
EU Naval Force to reassure local seafarers that Operation Atalanta is on
watch to deter piracy activity off the Horn of Africa. They also offer
an opportunity for EU NAVFOR to gain information about local vessel
movements and possible pirate activity in the area.
Regional dhows like these have been used in the past by pirates as
mother ships, from which they launch attacks against merchant shipping
transiting the area.
Recently, both NRP Álvares Cabral and HSwMS Carlskrona have conducted
friendly approaches. Speaking about the friendly approach, Thomas
Andersson, commander of the boarding team on HSwMS Carlskrona said,
"they are a way of 'showing our presence' to locals and this was an
excellent example of this. One very important person in this kind of
activity is the interpreter. Without him we cannot make our self
understood."
Read more at: http://eunavfor.eu/eu-naval-force-warships-connect-with-regional-seafarers/
European Union Naval Force
Media and Public Information Office
European Union Operation HQ
Northwood Headquarters
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