The Spanish Navy’s offshore patrol vessel Serviola recently detected a 10-m long inflatable craft with 25 sub-Saharan migrants aboard.
Serviola, currently engaged in a maritime security and surveillance mission, approached the boat and ascertained that both, the migrants and the boat were in good condition.
The OPV informed the Maritime Surveillance and Operations Center (COVAM in its Spanish initials) to coordinate the rescue operation. The Serviola remained in the area nearby should her services be required until a Moroccan Coast Guard patrol boat arrived and took care of the migrants.
Serviola, homeported in Ferrol, was built by NAVANTIA and delivered to the Spanish Navy in March 1991.
Her main mission is to contribute to the State Action at sea, protecting national maritime interests within territorial waters and the Exclusive Economic Zone, in close cooperation with other State departments with responsibilities in the maritime domain.
Image: Spanish Navy