Squalo 2026 Search and Rescue exercise concludes in Italy

The Squalo 2026 Search and Rescue (SAR) exercise concluded on September 24, organized by the 13th Maritime Rescue Sub Centre of the Cagliari Coast Guard. The drill was conducted under the SAR-MED-OCC international cooperation agreement between Italy, France, and Spain.

The exercise simulated a high-stakes emergency involving the ditching of an Airbus aircraft flying from Tunis to Alghero with 55 people on board. Following a simulated Mayday call and loss of radio contact, the SAR chain was activated to manage the search, identification, and recovery of survivors, as well as the localization of black boxes and fuel spill response.

The operation involved a large deployment of personnel and assets from the Italian Air Force, Coast Guard, Guardia di Finanza, Carabinieri, Firefighters, State Police, Civil Protection, and the Italian Red Cross, alongside international components and foreign observers.