Operation Atalanta Flagship Rescues 92 Passengers from Stricken Dhow

Sunday May 1, 2016

On 29 April 2016, Operation Atalanta’s German Flagship, FGS Bayern, rescued 92 people from a stricken dhow in a Saving Of Life At Sea (SOLAS) event.

The vessel had initially been sighted by the Japanese Maritime Patrol and Reconnaissance Aircraft (MPRA) of Combined Task Force 151 who had noticed it had been in the same position for longer than would be expected. It was reported to the EU Naval Force and after confirmation of its position, the Flagship approached the vessel to investigate.

The Flagship reached the stricken vessel in the evening on 28 April but approached at first light on 29 April due to safety concerns.

The dhow was found to have serious engine problems which FGS Bayern’s engineers attempted to rectify. Unfortunately, the defects were too severe. There were 92 passengers on the dhow, including eleven women and seven children.

FGS Bayern’s Commanding Officer assessed the situation as a SOLAS case and the passengers were brought onboard the German warship. After liaison with the UNHCR officials in Somalia, it was agreed the passengers would be transported to the port of Bosasso.

Following discussion with the dhow’s Captain, the stricken vessel was disposed of at sea in order to ensure the safety of other maritime users in the area.

At 1745 on 29 April, FGS Bayern transferred the passengers to the Puntland Authorities in Bosasso. She then continued with her counter-piracy patrols in the Indian Ocean.

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