As reported by EUNAVFOR, the European Union Naval Force has successfully seized an Iranian-flagged dhow that was allegedly utilized as a mothership in a recent piracy incident involving the merchant tanker HELLAS APHRODITE.
The abandoned vessel was located along Somalia’s north-western coastline and had been under close surveillance by the flagship of Operation ATALANTA, the Spanish Navy ship ESPS VICTORIA, in collaboration with an Indian Navy warship operating nearby.
This coordinated naval effort effectively dismantled a Pirate Action Group (PAG) suspected of orchestrating the attack on HELLAS APHRODITE. Following its capture, personnel from ATALANTA boarded the dhow to conduct thorough security checks and verification processes aimed at ensuring crew safety.
A medical team assessed all crew members aboard and confirmed they were unharmed and in good health. Meanwhile, intelligence-gathering efforts were underway as evidence was collected from both the dhow and HELLAS APHRODITE to support potential legal actions against those involved in piracy.
Authorities emphasized that Operation ATALANTA is maintaining strong cooperation with both the Federal Government of Somalia and Puntland authorities to track down those responsible for these criminal activities.
This operation showcased international collaboration among various partners including ESPS VICTORIA’s Special Operations Unit, Uncrewed Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), helicopters, maritime patrol aircraft like VIGMA D4 from ATALANTA, an Indian Navy warship, Japanese P-3C Maritime Patrol Aircraft from Combined Maritime Forces, Seychellois Air Force units, alongside Somali officials.
In light of these developments, Operation ATALANTA encourages all commercial vessels operating in this region to enroll in the Maritime Security Centre’s Voluntary Registration Scheme (VRS). This initiative aims to bolster monitoring efforts and facilitate rapid responses to maritime security threats across the Western Indian Ocean.
