The OPV ‘Relámpago’ meets with local authorities

The oceanic patrol vessel (BAM in its Spanish initials) ‘Relámpago’, currently participating in the European-led counter-piracy operation ‘Atalanta’ in the Indian Ocean, has organized a meeting with Caluula authorities. This enclave used to be a shelter for pirates operating in the Horn of Africa.

The ‘Relámpago’ –currently deployed off the Somali coast carrying out friendly MSAVs (maritime situational awareness visits) to local fishermen– managed to get in contact with regional authorities and offered them to embark and exchange viewpoints on the current maritime security situation in the area.

On May 26th and 27th, Caluula authorities and tribal leaders were welcomed on board and participated in several meetings with a very successful level of cooperation and understanding. The Spanish Navy was represented by the ship’s CO, Lt-Cdr Isidoro Junguito and several junior officers.

Moreover, the Spanish patrol vessel offered medical assistance. It was agreed that those members of the local population with more serious diseases would receive medical treatment on board.

Yesterday afternoon 25 people, mostly women and children with ages ranging from 8 to 45 years, were treated of their different pathologies. This was certainly a great challenge for the medical team given the difficulty to communicate with the local citizens. After finishing the medical checks, they were given water and fruit juices.

These contacts have been an excellent opportunity to strengthen the relation between the Spanish Navy warship and the Somali people, reaching out to its population and providing support and understanding to their needs.