On May 21st, the patrol vessel Commandant Birot, engaged in the maritime security operation “Corymbe,” rendered assistance to a drifting pirogue off the coast of Angola.
Indeed, an Angolan vessel, the VAMOS VENCES, with engine trouble was detected 25 nautical miles from the port of N’Zeto during a flight of the marine mini-drone system (SMDM). The pirogue, adrift for 10 days without water or food, had seven people on board.
After investigating and finding the engine irreparable, the crew of the Commandant Birot decided to tow the Angolan pirogue closer to the port of N’Zeto.
On May 22nd, after nearing the Angolan coast, the pirogue was taken over by local fishermen. Coordination with Angolan authorities, mainly conducted through the Atlantic Command of the French Navy, ensured that the seven fishermen were safely transferred to the Ocean Eagle, the Angolan Navy’s trimaran patrol vessel. The seven fishermen safely returned to shore.
Since 1990, France has deployed one to two vessels almost continuously in the Gulf of Guinea under operation CORYMBE. This mission plays a crucial role in reducing maritime insecurity by supporting the capacity-building of the Gulf’s coastal navies and the centers established through the Yaoundé Process. More recently, this deployment has embraced the European Union’s concept of Coordinated Maritime Presence, aiming to boost cooperation for maritime security.
This recent operation highlights the significance of international collaboration and the enduring commitment of the French Navy to maintaining maritime safety in the Gulf of Guinea.
