Belgian frigate Louise-Marie contributed to the operation “Sophia”
On Sunday, the 23th of July, the Belgian frigate Louise-Marie left the operation EUNAVFOR MED after a period of 34 days in the area near the coast of Libya.
The frigate took part in the counter illegal arm trafficking operation, in which the so-called “intel-gathering” contributes to the disrupting of the business model of smugglers and trafficking networks. The Louise-Marie also patrolled in the areas of the counter human trafficking mission.
During her patrols one friendly approach was executed, 23 hailings were made and the embarked helicopter Alouette-III executed 29 reconnaissance flights. During one rescue operation, the crew saved 118 migrants, including 1 newborn, 39 children and 6 women.
This deployment marks the third time a Belgian frigate has supported the operation “Sophia”.
