Gulf of Aden: Italian Frigate Scirocco Assists Tug Amid Engine Troubles

Italian Frigate Scirocco Assists Tug Amid Engine Troubles

On the morning of June 28th 2012, EU Naval Force (EU NAVFOR) Italian Frigate Scirocco provided technical assistance to a tug type vessel which experienced an engine failure while sailing in international waters in the Gulf of Aden.

In the evening on the 27th of June, ITS Scirocco was conducting a patrolling mission in the Gulf of Aden along the International Recommended Transit Corridor when the Task Force Commander tasked her to divert in assistance of a vessel reporting major engine problems.

After reaching the position of the vessel and establishing communication with the vessel’s Master, ITS Scirocco ensured the safety and security of the ship before sending on board, with the first morning light, a team of specialists to investigate the engine failure and ready to provide other assistance. As the failure could not be repaired at sea due to the unavailability of spare parts, the Master of the ship declared a rescue tug would be sent from Aden in the following hours. ITS Scirocco resumed her patrolling mission, always ensuring a high level of readiness to intervene in protection of vessels sailing in the Gulf of Aden.

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Naval Today Staff, July 3, 2012; Image: Eunavfor