Disabled Ship Towed into Port of Djibouti
Operation Atalanta warships assist stricken Italian merchant vessel in the Gulf of Aden
Italian merchant vessel MV Altinia was towed into the Port of Djibouti after encountering engine problems which left the ship adrift in the Gulf of Aden.
Assisting the stricken vessel was EU Naval Force flagship ESPS Galicia, who responded to the disabled ship’s mayday call while conducting counterpiracy patrols in the region.
ESPS Galicia sailed close to MV Altina to provide protection from any potential pirate attack while spare engine parts were acquired from a nearby Combined Task Force 151 warship. Due to other operational counterpiracy tasking, ESPS Galicia then handed over the protection of MV Altina to EU Naval Force warship ITS Libeccio.
It was assessed that MV Altinia requirer specialized technical assistance in port. ITS Libeccio towed the merchant vessel to the Port of Djibouti for further inspection and repairs.