The patrol vessel ‘Tarifa’ assists a trawler in distress near the Balearic Islands.

The trawler, with problems with the rudder, had already contacted her ship operator.

Tuesday, March 16th 2021

The patrol vessel ‘Tarifa’ (P-64) set out on March 8th to carry out her scheduled mission of surveillance and inspection of trawlers working off the Spanish coast, and more specifically within the area of the Balearic archipelago, where many fishing boats carry out their activities.

On the morning of Monday, March 15th, and after having communicated with the trawler ‘Pepe Armonía’ to inform her that she was going to be inspected, the vessel reported that she was adrift due to a problem with the rudder. The ‘Tarifa’, whose mission does not keep only to routine inspections, offered her services and assistance.

While the inspector of the General Secretariat of Fisheries conducted his mission of verifying the documents and the cargo on board, two mechanics from the Spanish Navy patrol vessel proceeded to repair the damaged rudder.

The breakdown required great expertise and spare parts the trawler did not have, but was successfully repaired during the morning and the ship could then proceed to carry out her fishing activities in waters of Formentera.

About the offshore patrol vessel ‘Tarifa’

OPV ‘Tarifa’, normally stationed in Cartagena, is in charge of protecting Spain’s maritime interests in the area. The P-64 regularly contributes to maintain peace, security and the wellbeing of our citizens. Her main tasks include surveillance, inspections, and support to the fishing fleet both in national and international fishing grounds.

The special features of the OPV permit her to conduct control missions within our territorial maritime areas, provide assistance at sea, participate in search and rescue (SAR) endeavors, as well as offering medical help and fighting sea pollution.