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Frigate assisted hijacked dhow off Somalia
EUNAVFOR Atalanta has confirmed the release of the dhow “Al Najma” on Feb 13, 2025. The Yemeni fishing boat had been hijacked off Eyl at the Northern coast of Puntland on Feb 8, 2025. The incident was classified as Armed Robbery at Sea. EUNAVFOR Atalanta naval and air assets, among them the 'Santa Maria-F 81', were deployed in the area, conducted an intensive search and succeeded in locating the dhow, which was released when sailing very close to the Somali coast. The immediate presence of the forces in the area, especially the helicopter, was decisive in the fishing vessel's liberation. The forces went on board to grant security and check the condition of the crew. No injuries were reported, and the 12 crew members were safe. The boarding team of the 'Santa Maria' proceeded to collect all possible evidence of the incident, which was still under investigation. Additionally, the fishing boat was assisted by the frigate after a malfunction on the dhow’s engine. The crew confirmed that the alleged pirates had abandoned the vessel after stealing personal objects and two skiffs belonging to the dhow. Throughout the incident, contacts and coordination with maritime security partners in the Area of Operations were conducted. Pivotal exchange of information was shared with the Somali forces, Yemeni Coast Guard and the Combined Maritime Forces (CMF), particularly with the Japanese Maritime Patrol Reconnaissance Aircraft. Report with photo: https://eunavfor.eu/news/liberation-al-najma-yemeni-flagged-fishing-boat-hijacked-eyl-north-coast-puntland-somalia
Fire on frigate in Rota
In the evening of Oct 7, 2022, a fire broke out in the hangar of the 'Santa Maria - F-81' at the Naval Base in Rota. The crew initially managed to extinguish the fire, but it reignited, so the Naval Base fire fighters were mobilized to the scene. Thick columns of smoke were visible far from Pier 1 of the Naval Base, where the frigate was docked. No injures were reported, wile a number of non-essential crew left the ship. The hangar was empty, but the fire spread to helipad and other outer areas. The frigate was to leave Rota on Oct 9 to take part in EUNAVFOR and Atalanta operations. Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C6RGWByORQY&feature=emb_title
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