Around 1030 hrs of Saturday 11th January, a fire broke out aboard the fishing stern trawler LEOVITO whilst moored at the French Admiralty dock of the Port of Mazara del Vallo.
The staff of the Operations Room of the Harbor Office of Mazara del Vallo, who first spotted the spread of the flames, immediately started the rescue operation which, in compliance with the current procedures set out in the port’s fire prevention monograph following the firefighting operations, allowed the flames to be put out without further collateral damage.
Fortunately there were no injuries, just a lot of fear. Commander CF(CP) Raffaele GIARDINA underlines that the frequent training has made it possible to refine the operational synergies of all the forces in the field, ensured by the professionalism and organization of the Port Authority Corps to which the law entrusts the coordination of operations at sea even in cases of units set on fire in port for the safety of human life at sea and their daily commitment to protecting citizens.
Of fundamental importance was the intervention of the Guardia Costiera (Coast Guard), who, while waiting for the Vigili Del Fuoco (Fire Brigade), reached the fishing vessel by extinguishing the fire with the on-board exhaust equipment. The timely intervention of the Fire Brigade proved to be decisive as they were able to proceed easily to extinguish the fire, finding a clear field thanks to the Boatswain service of the Harbor Office which immediately had the units moored alongside the burning motorboat move away to prevent the fire affected more and more fishing boats. We are still unable to establish the causes of the fire, but the Guardia Costiera Personnel are already speaking to the owner who, from initial reconstructions, appears to be the only one present on board.
Below are archived images of LEOVITO sheltering from weather conditions on the lee side of Malta back to 16th April, 2021
