At about 1245 hours on Saturday the 23rd of November 2024, officers from the Environmental Protection and Research Unit where conducting a patrol of BGTW on vessel ‘Osprey’. The officers received a call from Port VTS in relation to a person which had fallen overboard ferry ‘Ceuta Tanger’ approximately 1.5 miles off Camp Bay. A joint search and rescue operation was instigated between Gibraltar Port VTS and Spanish authorities.

EPRU Officers made their way immediately to the area, where an orange smoke distress signal had been deployed by a passing tanker, together with two life rings.
The strong winds and tides made it hard for officers to clearly see the distress signal at sea, and the person. Port VTS officers co-ordinated the response guiding EPRU officers to the person’s location.

Upon arrival, a 37 year old Spanish national was seen in the water in poor health condition due to the trauma of the fall overboard.

The person was assisted on board ‘Osprey’ and an assessment of his condition was conducted. Shortly after, a Salvamento Maritimo vessel and vessel from Algeciras Pilots attended the area, as did a vessel from the Royal Gibraltar Police.

Once the person was stabilised he was assisted onto the Algeciras Pilot vessel and was taken to the area of El Saladillo, where an Ambulance was waiting onshore.

The Minister for the Environment, the Hon John Cortes, said: ‘This search and rescue operation is a prime example of how neighbouring authorities are able to work together efficiently and effectively when required. Thanks to all Officers involved, who displayed excellent teamwork, professionalism and communication throughout the incident, and as a result have saved a life.’