Nineteen Fishermen Rescued After Galician Longliner Fire in South Pacific

Nineteen fishermen were rescued from a raft in the South Pacific after their vessel, the Galician longliner Pico Tresmares, caught fire and sank. The fishing vessel had departed from Vacamonte, Chile on February 23 and encountered an engine room fire on March 17, approximately 1,000 miles off the coast of La Serena, Chile. The crew was unable to contain the fire, leading to the abandonment of the ship into life rafts before it capsized and sank.

The distress call was relayed to Spanish SAR authorities in Madrid by the nearby fishing vessel Playa Muino Vello, prompting a response from the longliner Avó Músico. Despite stormy conditions, the crew of Avó Músico successfully rescued all 19 survivors from Pico Tresmares, with no reported injuries. The survivors are set to be transferred to another fishing vessel operated by Pesquera Guadalquivir, the owner of the sunken vessel.

The successful rescue operation highlights the importance of quick and coordinated responses in maritime emergencies. The prompt communication between vessels and SAR authorities played a crucial role in ensuring the safety of the fishermen involved. The incident serves as a reminder of the risks faced by those working at sea and the importance of preparedness and cooperation in such situations.

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