Navy units intervened in the afternoon after a request for support from the vessel End of Mazara del Vallo which was located about 50 miles off the Libyan coast. The vessel was approached by a self-styled "Tunisian patrol boat" which ordered to stop despite being - underlines the Navy - widely in international waters. In addition toEnd, two other Italian fishing boats were also present in the area: the Gem Primo el 'Anna mother, both from the navy of Mazara del Vallo.
The operation commander Safe Sea ordered the immediate take-off of the helicopter on board the ship Cigala Fulgosi which was already heading at full speed towards the affected area. As soon as the helicopter reached the fishing boat "the situation has been clarified - explained the Navy - and the alleged Tunisian patrol boat has moved southwards".
The fishing boat End he then resumed navigation.
Ship Cigala Fulgosi reached the Italian fishing boats "in order to acquire more information and ensure an adequate security framework".
The protection of national fishing vessels is one of the tasks of the operation Safe Sea, 12 in March 2015 started after the defense ministry was launched following the worsening of the Libyan crisis.
(photo: MM archive)
