Feb 17 - Port Authority Co-ordinate Search Operation For Man Overboard
The Port Authority jointly co-ordinated a search and rescue operation with the Spanish authorities for a crewmember reported to have fallen overboard from a boat three nautical miles south of Europa Point at approximately 15:00 hours this afternoon.
The initial call for assistance from the boat was received by the RGP who then alerted the Port Authority and an extensive search was initiated for the missing crewmember in an area of BGTW south and east of Gibraltar involving maritime assets from the RGP, the Gibraltar Defence Police, the Port Authority, two Spanish Salvamar units and a Spanish helicopter.
Poor weather conditions in the area severely hampered the search with choppy sea conditions caused by strong winds, and at 17:15 hours the search was finally called off following consultation between the Port Authority and the Gibraltar-based assets on scene deciding that conditions were too dangerous to continue.
The search is still continuing with the Spanish helicopter and the two Salvamar boats.
