The European Union Naval Force (EUNAVFOR) Operation ATALANTA has taken control of an Iranian-flagged dhow that was used as a mothership in the recent piracy incident involving the merchant tanker HELLAS APHRODITE.

According to Operation ATALANTA, the dhow was found abandoned by suspected pirates along the north-western coast of Somalia.

The vessel was closely tracked and monitored by the operation’s flagship, the Spanish Navy ship ESPS VICTORIA, in coordination with an Indian Navy warship operating in the area.

The naval operation effectively disrupted the Pirate Action Group (PAG) believed to be responsible for the attack.

Following the dhow’s seizure, ATALANTA personnel boarded the dhow and carried out security checks and verification procedures to ensure the safety of the crew.

A medical team examined all crewmembers, who were confirmed to be in good condition, safe, and unharmed, while ATALANTA forces gathered intelligence and evidence from the dhow.

The collected material, along with evidence obtained from HELLAS APHRODITE, will be used to support legal proceedings against the alleged pirates.

Authorities added that ATALANTA continues to cooperate closely with the Federal Government of Somalia and the Puntland Federal Government to locate and apprehend the suspects involved.

This successful counter-piracy operation involved several international partners, including ESPS VICTORIA and its Special Operations Unit, Uncrewed Aerial Vehicle (UAV), and helicopter; the ATALANTA Maritime Patrol and Reconnaissance Aircraft VIGMA D4; an Indian Navy warship; a Japanese P-3C Maritime Patrol Aircraft from the Combined Maritime Forces; the Seychellois Air Force; and Somali authorities.

Operation ATALANTA urged all merchant and vulnerable vessels in the region to register with the Maritime Security Centre, Indian Ocean’s (MSCHOA) Voluntary Registration Scheme (VRS) to enhance monitoring and ensure a quicker response to maritime security threats in the Western Indian Ocean.

Reference: Eunvafor