Spain Deploys Naval Patrol to Monitor Disputed Waters Near Morocco

Morocco claims the rocks of Al Hoceima and Vélez de la Gomera, the Chafarinas Islands and the islets like Perejil (Laila). The patrol boat will therefore have to "prevent threats and facilitate an immediate and viable response to a potential crisis." It will have to, among other things, ensure the "surveillance and control of the maritime spaces of sovereignty and national interest, ensuring compliance with international rules, in particular the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea," details the General Staff of Defense (EMAD).

The ship will also carry out a mission to protect the archaeological heritage and the fishing community in Spanish waters. It will also support the Frontex-Indalo mission of the European Union against human trafficking or NATO’s Sea Guardian, to fight terrorism. The patrol boat also plans to dock in Melilla for an open house day scheduled for Saturday, reports Vozpopuli.

68 meters long and equipped with various radars, a cannon and two 12.7 millimeter machine guns, the patrol boat has already left its base in Ferrol with 48 soldiers on board to carry out its surveillance and security mission in the coming months in this area of the strait where maritime traffic is particularly intense.