EU Naval Force warship BNS Leopold I carried out a friendly approach on a Kenyan fishing vessel in the Somali Basin.
The fishing vessel has been initially sighted by the Belgian Navy warship’s Alouette III helicopter. When the warship was nearby, the fishermen invited BNS Leopold I’s team on board for a visit.
The fisherman spoke English very well and told the Belgian Navy crew that they were all fine. The master of the fishing vessel stated that he was aware that there was still a risk of piracy in the area, but acknowledged that the security situation was improving thanks to the efforts of both the Kenyan security forces and other naval vessels. After sharing experiences and knowledge about the local maritime situation, BNS Leopold I’s team returned to the frigate.
As with other friendly approaches, this visit helped to provide a better understanding of the security situation and pattern of life of fishermen off the Somali coast.
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Press release, Image: EUNAFOR