Melilla establishes permanent base for SAR Mastelero rescue tug

The SAR Mastelero, an ocean-going tugboat belonging to the María de Maeztu class, has established a permanent base in the port of Melilla. This deployment is intended to strengthen maritime security and emergency response capabilities in the Alboran Sea and the Mediterranean region.

Operated by Salvamento Marítimo, the vessel is designed for three primary missions: saving lives at sea, providing assistance to other vessels, and combating pollution. The 40-meter tug is equipped with a fast rigid-hull inflatable boat (RHIB) for direct rescue operations and has the capacity to accommodate up to 50 survivors. The crew typically consists of nine to twelve personnel.

During a presentation at Muelle Ribera 2, local authorities, including the President of Melilla, Juan José Imbroda, and Maritime Captain José Miguel Tasende, highlighted the importance of the vessel's presence for the city. To introduce the new resource to the community, the ship will hold open house sessions for the public at the Muelle del Cargadero del Mineral.