On Friday 13 December EU Naval Force frigate, ITS Libeccio came to the assistance of a Yemeni fishing dhow that was sailing along the Somali coast with 38 people on board.
Due to poor weather conditions, one of two skiffs that were being towed astern of the dhow had capsized and started to sink. Fully aware of the great value that these small boats have to local seafarers, as they are often used to extend fishing nets and longlines, the Italian Navy crew quickly approached the capsized vessel and after righting it, emptied the water out.
As the recovery of the sunken skiff has taken some time, the Italian chefs on board ITS Libeccio kindly prepared packed lunches for all the fishermen, who were very appreciative of the good will gesture.
Since the EU Naval Force commenced counter piracy operations in December 2008, over 300 seafarers have been rescued or given humanitarian assistance at sea.
ITS Libeccio has resumed her counter piracy patrols in the Gulf of Aden.
[mappress] Press Release, December 16, 2013; Image: EU Navfor