EUNAVFOR MED: the Spanish frigate ‘Navarra’ receives on board the visit of the Spanish Minister of Defence in Catania
On the 19th of November, the Spanish Minister of Defence paid a visit to the operation SOPHIAfrigate ‘Navarra’, welcomed by the Commanding Officer of the vessel.
The Minister of Defence was briefed on the ship’s capabilities and on the operation’s core mandate in the Southern central Mediterranean Sea. The Spanish ship Navarra is in operation SOPHIA since two months now.
During her visit, the Minister of Defence and the authorities whom accompanied her had a chance to see the efforts that the Spanish Frigate is doing in contributing to disrupt the business model of human traffickers and smugglers, and as well the facilities where the rescued migrants are taken once they got on board. The Minister of Defence expressed the importance of the Spanish Armed Forces and their participation in International operations and was impressed on the efforts the crew is making at sea.
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, 101-suspected smugglers and traffickers have been prosecuted by the Italian authorities and 347 boats have been prevented from being re-used by smugglers.