Since her departure from her home port of Las Palmas in the Canary Isles on July 15, the Spanish ocean patrol vessel, ESPS Meteoro, has sailed more than 14 000 nautical miles, carrying out a range of activities off the Somali coast.
ESPS Meteoro commenced her counter-piracy patrols in the internationally recommended transit corridor (IRTC) in the Gulf of Aden. She has also carried out identification and recognition patrols on the north and east coasts of Somalia.
In order to better understand local seafarers’ concerns and to highlight to them the potential risks from pirates off the Somali coast, the ship’s boarding team has done more than 75 “friendly approaches”.
To enable ESPS Meteoro to remain on patrol, the ship has also carried out a number of replenishments at sea (RAS) with supply ships to restock the ship with fuel, food and other supplies.
As part of EU Naval Force (EU Navfor) engagement with regional states, the ship has made port visits to Souda, Greece, Djibouti, Salalah, Oman, and Fujairah, UAE.
Speaking about the first three months on counter piracy patrols, Commanding Officer Lieutenant Commander Juan Carlos Perez Guerrero, said: “I am proud of my sailors. We remain resolute and determined in our efforts to fight piracy and help make the seas safer for ships and fishermen off the Somali coast.”
ESPS Meteoro will sail for home in December.
Via: http://www.defenceweb.co.za/
