The frigate ‘Álvaro de Bazán’ assists a Yemeni dhow in the Gulf of Aden

The F-100 frigate ‘Álvaro de Bazán’, integrated in operation ‘Ocean Shield’ against piracy in the Gulf of Aden, has recently assisted a dhow-type boat adrift.

The Spanish Navy ship was patrolling the area when she was alerted that a boat adrift was 70 miles away from her position. The embarked helicopter was immediately dispatched to assess the situation. Once the boat was located the helicopter hovered over the ‘Alakhawen’ (name of the Yemeni dhow) and supplied fuel, food and fresh water. The crew informed the helicopter with signals that the rudder had broken down and that they were unable to steer the boat.

Given the seaworthiness problems, the ‘Álvaro de Bazán’ got in contact with the Yemeni Coast Guard informing of the circumstances and updating the position of the dhow. A Yemeni patrol boat approached the dhow and towed her to the nearest Yemeni port.