On Tuesday 9th November, 2021 after 2100 hrs with Easterly Wind blowing 20 knots a wooden stern fishing trawler packed with 400 souls ran aground whilst entering Pozzallo Port scrambling all Law Enforcements units including commercial tugboats.
Weather conditions were hampering the situation with the strong wind and sea very rough of which at one time they finished 50 metres from land. Also there were paListednic moments since the fishing vessel listed on her port side with fears that they will end up in the sea and we all know that not everyone knows how to swim.
Pozzallo Port was even closed due to the rescue operation and Virtu Ferries High Speed Craft (HSC) SAINT JOHN PAUL II was advise to drift within Pozzallo Port & Anchorage as seen below –
In Fact she entered at 2236 hrs , being secured by 2300 hrs.
Taking part in the rescue operation was also the Fratelli Neri Offshore tug/supply ship NOS ARIES –
The transfer of the illegal immigrants started around 2300 hrs. Around 50 immigrants were transferred to Bancina di Riva after being transferred by Guardia Costiera ribs which then transferred then to NOS ARIES. Rescue operations should be ready during the night. The mayor of Pozzallo Roberto Ammatuna, who is coordinating the operation by keeping in touch with the Prefecture of Ragusa, said that the migrants will be housed in the municipal gym where they will be subjected to checks. anti-covid sanitary ware before being transferred to a quarantine ship.
Watermarked Photos are by Capt. Lawrence Dalli & his team otherwise stated. Do not use these images without my permission. © All rights reserved. Malta Ship Photos & Action Photos – www.maltashipphotos.com
Published – Wednesday 10th November ,2021
