The German frigate FGS Schleswig-Holstein leaves EUNAVFOR MED operation Sophia
Last 31st of October, after 122 days spent in the Central Mediterranean Sea as part of EUNAVFOR MED operation Sophia’s Task Force, the German frigate FGS Schleswig-Holstein has sat sail back home.
Last 31st of October, after 122 days spent in the Central Mediterranean Sea as part of EUNAVFOR MED operation Sophia’s Task Force, the German frigate FGS Schleswig-Holstein has sat sail back home.
Having joined the European operation against human smugglers and traffickers since the very first weeks, in almost 90 days at sea, the Schleswig-Holstein guaranteed intelligence gathering operations in close coordination with all other naval and air assets under the Command of Rear Admiral (LH) Andrea Gueglio, Operation Sophia Force Commander embarked on board the Flagship, ITS Cavour.
During her 4 months on task, the German frigate conducted more than 60 hailing to suspect vessels and 5 rescue operations saving the lives of 1385 migrants. Among these was baby Sophia, born on board the ship on 22 August 2015 off the coast of Libya, and after whom the mission was named: EUNAVFOR MED operation Sophia.
Following a decision by the EU Political and Security Committee on 28 September, on 7 October Operation EUNAVFOR MED operation Sophia moved to the second phase, where suspected smugglers vessels can be boarded, searched, seized and diverted on the high seas in accordance with the international law.
