Spanish Patrol Boat Deployed Near Melilla to Monitor Maritime Borders

These missions aim to "ensure the surveillance of maritime spaces of sovereignty and national interest" and to prevent potential threats, explains the Royal Navy on its official website. In this context, the patrol boat Isla Pinto (P-84) carries out verification and control tasks of maritime traffic in the waters near Melilla and areas of Spanish sovereignty, such as the rocks of Vélez de la Gomera, Al Hoceima, and the Chafarinas Islands, located off the coast of Morocco.

The presence of this ship in this area "reaffirms national sovereignty over these territories and islets, which have been part of Spain’s historical and legal heritage since the 16th century," specifies the Spanish Navy, emphasizing that these territories have strategic importance for the control of the western Mediterranean and maritime routes between Europe and Africa.

In addition to its deterrent role, the Isla Pinto patrol boat ensures "the control of maritime traffic, fishing surveillance, and prevention of illegal activities," details the Spanish Navy, adding that this type of vessel is ideal for operating in shallow waters and difficult-to-access coastal areas. According to the Spanish Defense Staff (EMAD), these missions "allow for maintaining vigilance, manifesting presence, and ensuring a rapid response to any incident affecting national interests."

The constant presence of a patrol boat helps to combat irregular immigration and illegal trafficking. According to the Spanish Ministry of Defense, it constitutes a stabilizing factor. By deploying the Isla Pinto near Morocco, Spain reaffirms its determination to defend its maritime spaces and territories and to "deter any attempt to violate its sovereignty," estimates El Debate.