Offshore Patrol Vessel ESPS “Meteoro” and ARC “Siete de Agosto” encountered yesterday at sea in Somali Basin while conducting counter-piracy operations.

The helicopter from “Siete de Agosto”, Altair, transferred a small group of crew members to “Meteoro”, so they could know this ship and her capabilities. After some explanations about the main characteristics and the typical exchange of gifts, the helicopter took off and performed a photographic report while both ships sailed together.

Finally, “Siete de Agosto” reassumed her route towards the Gulf of Aden, while “Meteoro” kept her course southwards heading for her next task. It has been an excellent chance to tighten bonds between these two countries that have so many things in common, including historical background; two nations so geographically apart but now so close at sea keeping this area of the world safe.

Spain has guided the Colombian Warship “Siete de Agosto” during their integration on the operation Atalanta which has been an absolute success. Their participation as “Close Collaborator” has helped the Force Flow of the European Union Naval Force during the last days of the monsoon period. They have been patrolling all the Area of operations and have learned the different procedures to deter and disrupt piracy activity and to protect the vulnerable shipping.

ESPS “Meteoro” will continue now her way to Dar Es Salam patrolling all the Area of Operations in the Somali Basin along the Somali coastline. The Spanish Warship Joined the Operation Atalanta the 1st September 2015. Since then, they have patrolled all the Northern coast of Somalia and they continue now with their patrol on the eastern part.

The monsoon period is taking over and the fishing activity returns to the coast of Somalia. The possibility to perform a piracy attack increases as the weather conditions improve. The mandate of the European Union Naval Force remains to protect the World Food Program Vessels and all the vulnerable shipping, deter and disrupt any piracy activity on the Area of operations and finally contribute to reach the free and secure navigation at sea.