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Multinational officers take part in Frontex's sea operation

Xinhua, April 20, 2017 Adjust font size:

Officers from various European Union (EU) member states have joined the mission of the European border and coast guard agency Frontex off the Greek coast, the agency said on Thursday.

Finnish patrol vessel Merikarhu, with a 31-member crew from seven EU member states, including Germany, Poland, Latvia, and Greece, has embarked on its first operational mission.

During its mission, the Merikarhu crew will observe, detect, and monitor the ship traffic in order to prevent smuggling activities in the Ionian Sea and the Sea of Crete, according to Frontex's press release.

The presence of a vessel with crew members from various EU member states is a crucial part of Frontex's strategy to increase the agency's role in implementing European coast guard functions.

Frontex executive director Fabrice Leggeri said crews from various European nations would work under Frontex to provide assistance to member states at their external borders. Endit