During one of their counter-piracy patrols in the Gulf of Aden, the EU Naval Force Ukrainian frigate, Hetman Sagaidachniy was tasked by the EU Force Headquarters to provide close protection at sea for a Lebanese-flagged merchant vessel, which had suffered engine failure and was drifting in the piracy high risk area in the Gulf of Aden.
The crew from Hetman Sagaidachniy responded immediately and provided assistance to the stricken vessel.
Speaking about the protection given, the Ukrainian warship’s commanding officer, Commander Roman Piatnitskiy, stated “For two days we remained close to the vulnerable vessel to protect it from any potential pirate attack. The EU Naval Force is determined to stop pirates from attacking merchant ships and their crews for ransom.”
Once the engine problem was resolved, the crew of the Lebanese-flagged vessel warmly thanked the Ukrainian seamen for the protection and got underway again to their next port.
The Ukrainian warship will complete her participation in the EU Naval Force as planned this week and will proceed back to her home port on completion.
[mappress] Press Release, February 25, 2014, 2014; Image: EU Navfor