The oceanic patrol vessel ‘Infanta Cristina’ set sail to participate in operation ‘Atalanta’

The oceanic patrol vessel ‘Infanta Cristina’ set sail from Cartagena to integrate into the counter-piracy operation ‘Atalanta’ in the Indian Ocean. The farewell ceremony was presided over by the Fleet Commander, Admiral Santiago Bolíbar.

The ‘Infanta Cristina’ will protect UN and World Food program (WFP) ships sailing towards Somalia; enhance international maritime security in the area, and fight piracy in the Gulf of Aden and the Indian Ocean.

This is the third time the OPV participates in this European Union mission and deploys to reinforce the operation during the monsoon season when pirate attacks are more frequent.

The ‘Infanta Cristina’ is under the command of Lieutenant-Commander David Durán. Her crew consists of 106 people, including an 11-strong Marine Corps team to reinforce the security and to participate in maritime interdiction operations.

Oceanic patrol vessel ‘Infanta Cristina’

The OPV’s home port is Cartagena and belongs to the Maritime Action Force. She has participated in many international operations: apart from the three activations for ‘Atalanta’, the ‘Infanta Cristina’ took part in the Persian Gulf War and the embargo operation in the Red Sea and, more recently, in operation ‘Libre Hidalgo’ in the Lebanon.

Her main missions include: surveillance and protection of national maritime interests, provide support to the fishing fleet, fight marine pollution, tracking illegal immigration and collaboration with other State departments with responsibilities in the maritime domain fighting terrorism and drug smuggling.