The OPV ‘Relámpago’ arrived at Las Palmas after participating in operation ‘Atalanta’

The oceanic patrol vessel (BAM in its Spanish initials) ‘Relámpago’, has arrived at her home port in Las Palmas (Canary Islands) after participating in the European-led counter-piracy operation ‘Atalanta’ in the Indian Ocean.

The welcoming ceremony was presided over by the Canary Islands Naval Commander, rear-admiral Manuel de la Puente.

The oceanic patrol boat, under the command of Lieutenant-Commander Alfredo Saco, took part in the EUNAVFOR deployment with an 86-strong complement: 51 crew members, 16 Marines, 17 air unit personnel, a medical doctor and an interpreter.

The ship commenced her deployment on February 23rd and sailed more than 28,000 nautical miles during 141 days at sea, visiting eight nations.

This deployment, the sixth of a Spanish Navy warship in this operation, is part of the commitment assumed in 2008 to ensure maritime security in the Gulf of Aden and Somalia fighting piracy, escorting shipping and protecting fishermen in the area.

The ‘Relámpago’ is the third ‘Meteoro’-class oceanic patrol vessel (BAM in its Spanish initials). The BAM concept contemplates a state-of-the-art multi-purpose oceanic patrol boat with reduced maintenance and production costs, capable of operating not only in military missions, but also in search and rescue (SAR) operations, humanitarian aid, evacuations and the fight against sea pollution.