Spanish Navy Deploys Patrol Vessel for Surveillance Mission off Moroccan Coast

The Spanish patrol vessel will carry out its mission in Spanish waters, in the rocks of Al Hoceima and La Gomera, the Chafarinas Islands, the Bay of Algeciras, the Alboran Sea and along a large part of the Spanish coast. It will mainly carry out surveillance and control of maritime traffic in the special protection areas (ZEC) and protection of maritime communication lines between San Vicente and Gata via the Strait of Gibraltar.

Permanent surveillance and deterrence operations are a tool to ensure continuous monitoring of maritime spaces, prevent potential threats and find an immediate and viable response to a possible crisis. Some 3,000 agents participate in these operations, under the control of the Maritime Operational Command (MOM).

The "Vigía" (P-73) is the third patrol vessel of the "Serviola" class. It was designed by the former Bazán company (now Navantia) and delivered to the Spanish Navy on March 23, 1993. Since then, it has carried out numerous maritime surveillance missions and participated in several national and multinational operations. Its crew can consist of 47 members and it can navigate for hours, even in rough seas.