During the last few days EU Naval Force Warship ESPS Navarra deployed as part of EU Naval Force, has been conducting counter-piracy operations in the Indian Ocean. The Spanish frigate’s embarked AB 212 helicopter, during a routine flight, visually detected two vessels sailing northwards to the Yemeni coast.
ESPS Navarra’s Commanding Officer decided to carry out a friendly approach, to gain ‘pattern of life’ information from the local vessel. The boarding and medical team from the ship, approached the two craft and gave drinking water to the vessels and offered medical assistance to one of the crewmembers.
To help strengthen mutual understanding and trust between the EU Naval Force and local seafarers, as well as obtain first hand information about possible piracy incidents in the area, EU Naval Force ships will sometimes make ‘Friendly Approaches’ to local vessels and speak to the masters and crew.