During her recent visit to Mahé, Operation Atalanta flagship, ESPS Galicia conducted a training exercise that implemented the Seychelles national contingency plan for anti-pollution, search and rescue and fire fighting.
The exercise scenario included the Maritime Operations Centre run by the Seychelles Coast Guard deploying speedboats and a patrol vessel in response to a collision between an oil tanker and a ferry. The Seychelles Air Force deployed an aircraft to monitor the situation and provide search and rescue assistance to crew members who were in the water. The Seychelles Port Authority sent a tug boat with floating booms to contain the ‘exercise’ spill and the Fire and Rescue Service deployed fire fighters to put out the fire.
ESPS Galicia was operating in the vicinity and responded by deploying its helicopter to conduct search and rescue, whilst its onboard medical facilities were used to treat the sick and wounded. The multi-agency exercise was an opportunity to enhance communication and coordination amongst all local stakeholders with international partners, in responding to a contingency.
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Image: EUNAVFOR