The frigate ‘Méndez Núñez’ provides support to the merchant ship ‘Royal Grace’ after her release

The Spanish Navy frigate ‘Méndez Núñez’ (F-104), the current command ship of operation ‘Atalanta’, has provided support to the merchant ship ‘Royal Grace’ –hijacked in March 2012– after her release was confirmed.

In the morning of March 8th the Spanish frigate was on patrol in the northern coast of Somalia near Dhurbo, where the seized merchant ship was retained, when the F-104 noticed that the ‘Royal Grace’ was moving slowly at 4 knots.

Communication was then established with the Spanish ship informing that there were no pirates on board and they had neither agent nor port of destination. The merchant ship also requested medical assistance for some crew members, as well as fresh water and provisions.

The ‘Méndez Núñez’ approached the ship and once the embarked Staff confirmed she had been released, proceeded to board the vessel with medical assistance.

During five hours the medical team carried out checkups and provided medical treatment to two sailors. Food was also supplied for the scheduled three-day cruise before her next port-call.

After providing the necessary support, the ‘Royal Grace’ proceeded to Salalah (Oman), escorted by the Spanish Navy patrol boat ‘Rayo’.