Rescue operations, coordinated by the Greek and Italian authorities (Maritime Rescue Sub Center of Bari), are made particularly complex by the weather conditions: at the moment there are over 50 knots of wind and force 7-8 sea.
The first helicopter, stationed at the 84th SAR (Search and Rescue / Search and Rescue) Center of Gioia del Colle, intervened on input from the Air Operations Command - Rescue Coordination Center of Poggio Renatico at approximately 7.35 and recovered with the winch an injured castaway aboard an emergency boat lowered from the ferry. The man, whose conditions do not cause concern, was transported to the infirmary of the Lecce air base, home of the 61st Wing of the Air Force, which was extraordinarily open to support the various aircraft involved in rescue operations.
Currently there are two HH-139 helicopters of the Italian Air Force in flight on the site of the emergency, with on board teams of air-rescuers specialized in this kind of interventions. The Air Force ensures 24 hours a day, 24 days a year , the search and rescue service at national level, in favor of its crews and as in this case in support of rescue operations in favor of the community. Over 365 people have been rescued by the crews of the 7000 ° Stormo of the Italian Air Force during its history.
Source: Aeronautica Militare / Esercito
