Sierra Leone allows crews on board its boats

(BRUSSELS2) The Swedes from HMS Carlskrona were able to board a VPD (on-board protection team) on board the Petra 1. A ship which flies the flag of Sierra Leone and provides supplies for AMISOM, the peacekeeping forces of the African Union in Somalia.

This is the first time that Sierra Leone has given Atalanta forces permission to board - and made a statement releasing the military from certain responsibilities. Previously, the military had to mobilize and sail as close as possible to the ship.

More flexibility of action

With a team on board, this "gives more flexibility", explains Gustav Reimfelt, the head of the guard, "to carry out several operations at the same time". This increases, in fact, the maritime and air resources which can, with an onboard team, carry out other operations, "such as coast watch", for example.

(Nicolas Gros-Verheyde)