Welcome in operation SOPHIA to the German frigate FGS Mecklenburg-Vorpommern and farewell to the German mine hunter FGS Datteln
On Sunday 11 of September, the German mine countermeasure unit FGS Datteln 
handed over her duties for operation SOPHIA to German frigate FGS Mecklenburg-Vorpommern [509 KB] .
The German FGS Datteln joined the force last 28 June and since then, during the operation, FGS Datteln was involved in seven rescue operation saving 607 migrants in the Southern Central Mediterranean. In particular, on 5th of September, the FGS Datteln saved in the same day 273 migrants. Indeed, following the German mine hunter activities, 14 boats were removed from the criminal organizations availability. “I’m very proud of the work my team did in this operation. It has been a great honour and experience to be part of this mission” said the Commanding Officer of the German mine hunter. Now, after this very intense period, the German Datteln is leaving the force headed towards her home base in Kiel, where she is expected at the end of September.
For one German ship that leaves, the German Frigate FGS Mecklenburg-Vorpommern joins operation SOPHIA. The Commanding officer and his crew are looking forward to participate to an operation that, in the next future, will see important developments.
In fact, last 23 August 2016, EUNAVFOR MED operation Commander, Rear Admiral (UH) Enrico Credendino , signed with Commodore Abdalh Toumia, Commander of Libyan Coastguard and Port Security, the “Memorandum of Understanding” regarding the training of the Libyan Navy and Coastguard personnel by EUNAVFOR MED Operation SOPHIA.
EUNAVFOR MED operation SOPHIA’s core mission is to disrupt the business model of human traffickers and smugglers, no less, saving life at sea is both a moral and international law obligation. Thus far, in fact, following EUNAVFOR MED operation Sophia’s activities, 87-suspected smugglers and traffickers have been prosecuted by the Italian authorities and 295 boats have been prevented from being re-used by smugglers. Nonetheless, more than 25.800 lives were saved at sea.