Morocco Leads Multi-Agency Rescue Exercise in Strait of Gibraltar

This rescue operation consisted of saving more than 60 passengers on board a ship on which a fire broke out. Moroccan and Spanish rescue units took part in this exercise, which was held in the presence of observers from the search and rescue organizations of several countries. The operation required coordination between the Royal Navy, the Royal Gendarmerie, the Royal Air Force, Civil Protection, the General Directorate of National Security (DGSN) and the Ministry of Agriculture, Maritime Fisheries, Rural Development and Forests.

After the siren was triggered, a medical team composed of civilian and military doctors and nurses rushed towards the distressed ship to assess the situation in order to launch the evacuation of the injured according to the severity of the injuries. Royal Navy, Spanish Guardia Civil, Royal Gendarmerie and Royal Air Force helicopters were mobilized to transport the seriously injured. The other passengers were evacuated in lifeboats to the port of Tangier Med where a medical team was set up to administer first aid.

As for the seriously injured, they were transferred to the hospitals in Tangier. Meanwhile, specialized units of the DGSN and the Royal Gendarmerie proceeded to identify the injured and deceased persons. The exercise mobilized Moroccan land, air and maritime resources, and saw the participation of Spanish rescue units.

"These exercises make us ready and better coordinated to deal more effectively with any real incident," said Eduardo Lobo Espinoza, head of the Spanish Guardia Civil maritime group in Cadiz and the Strait of Gibraltar, adding that these simulation exercises aim to strengthen cooperation and coordination between the two countries. Nidal Souilmi, director of the Research and Rescue Coordination Studies Office at the Tunisian Civil Aviation Authority, also stressed the importance of these operations which "make interventions more effective and efficient in real situations."