The frigate ‘Méndez Núñez’ escorts the oil tanker ‘Smyrni’ after her release in Somalia

The Spanish Navy frigate ‘Méndez Núñez’ (F-104), deployed in Somali waters as part of the EU operation against piracy in the area, has escorted the Liberian-registered oiler ‘Smyrni’ after her release in the early morning.

The ‘Méndez Núñez’ remained near the ‘Smyrni’ until a private security team from the tugboat ‘Condor’ embarked and took control.

Once the release was confirmed after negotiations carried out from the ‘Condor’, the Spanish frigate provided escort to the oil tanker until she could sail in safe waters.

The ‘Smyrni’ was hijacked on May 11th 2012 near Oman while she transported 135,000 tons of oil.

Second intervention in the last few days

The frigate ‘Méndez Núñez’ arrived to escort the ‘Smyrni’ after having provided support to the Royal Emirates ship ‘Royal Grace’, released on March 9th. The ship had been hijacked in February 2012.

This is the second intervention of the Spanish Navy F-100 frigate, currently operating as command ship of Operation ‘Atalanta’.