Today, 25 January, the Cassiopea patrol boat of the Italian Navy, on a Fishery Vigilance mission to protect national fishing vessels, in the waters near the island of Lampedusa, responded to a request for assistance and health support, coming from the fishing boat. Italian Pegasus of Mazzara del Vallo, for a seafarer who was experiencing a crisis of vomit and dysentery.
Upon receiving the request, Cassiopea ship approached the fishing boat and put the embarked dinghy overboard to transfer the medical team. Once on board, the Cassiopea's doctor visited the seafarer and deemed it necessary to evacuate to a hospital. The patient was then transferred to the Cassiopea ship, which began to head at maximum speed to Lampedusa for his subsequent transfer - by helicopter embarked - to the health facilities of the island.
The Navy ensures from 1959 the continuous naval presence in the international waters of the Strait of Sicily more interested in the fishing activities of the Sicilian fishing fleets.
The Fishing Surveillance (Vi.Pe.) has the task of ensuring the free exercise of fishing activity by national vessels, in international waters, in full compliance with national laws in force.
Moreover, from the 12 March 2015, a naval device was deployed in the Central Mediterranean with a mission of presence, surveillance and maritime security in the central Mediterranean in application of national legislation and international agreements. The presence of the aeronaval device of the Operation Sea Safe (WHO) on the high seas ensures the protection of national interests on the sea and an adequate security framework for all the naval means of the State, and not, engaged in research, rescue and fishing.
The activities of the naval units of the Navy are not limited to the fight against terrorism or illegal activities but are completed with the rescue and safeguarding of human life at sea, an essential "foundation" for those who go to sea.