18 March 2014 09.53

ITS Francesco Mimbelli, deployed in support of NATOs counter piracy operation Ocean Shield, has been engaged to escort Caroline Scan, a cargo ship from Antigua Barbuda chartered by the UN to deliver humanitarian aid to Somali population according to the World Food Programme.The protection had been required during a short stop in Modadishu port (Somalia) and during the 500 miles journey to Mombasa (Kenya) in a of most dangerous area.

This operation, normally performed by the EU mission Atalanta Task Force 465, proves the synergic cooperation between international coalitions in this region.

The Indian Ocean and the Gulf of Aden together cover an area large as Europe alone, and one of the busiest in the world, and these navies are committed to protect maritime trade and ensure safe navigation, as well as flows of humanitarian aid to local populations.

2014 MAR 18 - COC