July 23, 2015 - 15:25
Whilst conducting
counter-piracy patrols in the Gulf of Aden, EU Naval Force flagship,
ESPS Galicia, responded to a mayday call from an Italian merchant
vessel, MV Altina. The merchant vessel had developed engine problems and
was drifting at sea.
ESPS Galicia sailed close to MV Altina
to provide protection from any potential pirate attack, whilst spare
engine parts were acquired from a Combined Task Force 151 warship that
was in the vicinity.
Due to other operational, counter-piracy
tasking, ESPS Galicia handed over the protection of MV Altina to EU
Naval Force warship, ITS Libeccio.
As it was assessed that MV Altina
would require specialized, technical assistance in port, ITS Libeccio
towed the merchant vessel to the port of Djibouti so that a further
inspection and repairs could be carried out.