Pirates Attack EU NAVFOR Flagship

Suspected pirates fired upon the ESPS Patino early Feb. 12 near the port of Mogadishu in Somalia, after the European Union Naval Force flagship completed escorting a World Food Program ship carrying food-aid into Somalia.

Six men aboard a skiff opened fire with light caliber weapons and attempted to board the Patino, according to a EU NAVFOR report. The Patino’s guards returned fire and the ship’s helicopter was launched.

The skiff broke off the attack and the men surrendered to the helicopter after throwing their weapons, ladder and fuel barrels overboard.

Five of the six attackers sustained injuries. Two were treated aboard the Patino.

The Patino is part of EU NAVFOR Operation Atalanta, which was launched in December 2008 and is conducted in accordance with United Nations Security Council resolutions to fight against piracy.

Photo shows suspected pirates surrendering in their skiff after an attack on the EU NAVFOR’s Patino. Courtesy of EU NAVFOR.