AFM intervenes in search for missing persons at sea

AFM intervenes in search for missing persons at sea

Late last night, at 2310 hours, the AFM Rescue Coordination Centre was alerted by a phone call that a local speedboat was in difficulty at sea. The wife of one of the two persons on board the 28’ speedboat reported that her husband contacted her on his mobile phone, saying that the boat was foundering about 12 miles from Sicily.

On receiving this information standard emergency procedures were put in force by the AFM RCC and an AFM Islander airplane, which is constantly on standby, was scrambled in a few minutes. The Italian Coast Guard were informed of the incident and a combined search operation was organised.

This is a normal procedure that has been exercised repeatedly by the AFM in Exercise Canale, which is held every year with neighbouring countries. Moreover the Italian authorities granted permission for Maltese aircraft to search in waters subject to Italian Search and Rescue jurisdiction. Most importantly, personnel in both the AFM RCC and Catania Rescue Sub Centre were familiar with each other and had developed common Standard Operating Procedures through constant exercises.

By 0030 hours a second aircraft was airbourne. This was the Italian Military Mission AB212 helicopter crewed up with Italian and AFM personnel, which joined the AFM Islander in the night search. Initial searches by the AFM and Italian Coast Guard boats gave negative results. A total of 600 square nautical miles were covered by the AFM and Italian Military Mission Aircraft.

In subsequent searches this morning the capsized speedboat was found some 45NM North East of Malta. Searches are still in progress and updates will follow.