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Pohjanmaa sent to the rescue of two yachties

On May 19, 2012, the US Coast Guard coordinated a rescue about 650 miles northeast of Bermuda. Two people on a sailboat initially reported having a loose keel and later said they had to abandon ship because of flooding. Using AMVER, the Coast Guard contacted the "Pohjanmaa", which was three hours from the yachts' last known position, to divert and help. Both sailors were saved. They were en route from St. Martin to the archipelago of the Azores, Portugal, when they abandoned ship into a life raft with a satellite phone and activated their EPIRB.

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On 21 April, EU NAVFOR released 18 suspected pirates that had been detained by the EU NAVFOR Finnish warship FNS POHJANMAA since the 6 April. They were released after requests to a number of states, who were considered to have an interest in the case, proved to be unsuccessful. The States either decided not to prosecute or could not provide an intent to prosecute within the required timescale. The suspected pirates were detained after allegedly attacking the Singapore-flagged vessel MV PACIFIC OPAL on 5 April 2011. They were returned to Somalia on the morning of 21 April.

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The Finnish minelayer Pohjanmaa has docked in Oman to refuel and resupply after an anti-piracy patrol in the Arabian Sea. Supplies had run low because countries in the region were unwilling to service the vessel while it is carrying 18 suspected pirates taken into custody last week. Commander Pasi Staff of Finnish Naval Headquarters told YLE that it is highly unusual that Oman allowed a ship to dock that is carrying suspected pirates onboard. Food and fuel had started running so low that plans were being made to send a supply vessel to replenish the Pohjanmaa's stores. Supplies taken on in Oman will allow the ship to operate again for another two weeks at sea. The Finnish naval vessel will now continue to carry out its anti-piracy mission, even though it has 18 suspects onboard. According to Commander Staff, their presence will not significantly hinder operations.