French frigate FS Floréal, which is currently deployed with the EU Naval Force, recently carried out several friendly approaches on dhows and skiffs off Somalia.
With the consent of the ships’ masters, direct talks were conducted in order to strengthen mutual understanding and trust between the EU Naval Force and local seafarers. The aim is to gain first-hand information of the masters and their crews about possible piracy incidents. Lead in an atmosphere of mutual trust, these friendly approaches also provide the opportunity, where appropriate, to offer medical attention to a few fishermen.
FS Floréal, a Floréal class frigate, joined EU Naval Force on 18 April 2014 to participate in the counter-piracy operation Atalanta.
[mappress] Press Release, May 29, 2014; Image: eunavfor.eu