Maritime Rescue has officially presented the new intervention unit, the Salvamar 'Carina', which replaces the Salvamar 'Spica'. This acquisition, funded by the Spanish Government with 2.5 million euros, aims to enhance maritime safety, emergency response capabilities, and the fight against marine pollution along the coast of Almería and the Alboran Sea.

During the event held at the Club de Mar de Almería, the Government Delegate in Andalusia, Pedro Fernández, highlighted that this incorporation is part of the National Plan for Special Services for the Rescue of Human Life at Sea and the fight against marine pollution for the period 2025-2027, which has a budget of 162 million euros.

The new vessel, named in honor of the constellation Carina (The Keel), belongs to the Salvamar class of boats. These units, ranging from 15 to 21 meters in length, are characterized by their "high rescue capacity, speed, versatility, and towing capability," making them crucial for assisting vessels in distress. Nationally, Maritime Rescue operates 58 such units, 57 of which are crewed.

Pedro Fernández emphasized the "agility and speed" that the Salvamar 'Carina' brings to emergencies, stressing that its mission is "permanent, recognizing no set hours or weather conditions".

Measuring 21.50 meters in length and 5.5 meters in beam, the Salvamar 'Carina' is equipped with advanced systems such as dynamic positioning, Jet Anchor, a 3D side-scan sonar with a range of 1,200 meters, four solar panels for emergency batteries, and a 'Starlink' satellite communication system for high-speed internet. It also includes an LED searchlight with a thermal camera and radar target tracking for night or low-visibility operations. It has an operational range of 400 nautical miles at 28 knots, powered by two 1,400 HP MAN engines and HX47 waterjets.

The Director of Maritime Rescue, José Luis García Lena, described the arrival of the Salvamar 'Carina' as a "milestone" in the organization's commitment to maritime safety, environmental protection, and technological innovation. He nevertheless stressed that "no matter how modern the equipment, the true value of rescue lies in the people," referring to the crews and professionals who work tirelessly.

The Director General of Merchant Marine and President of Maritime Rescue, Ana Núñez Velasco, noted that 40% of her directorate's budget is allocated to Maritime Rescue, which she defined as the "operational arm" of the Merchant Marine. She indicated that 70% of investments have been directed towards fleet renewal, highlighting that Almería is a "hotspot" due to its migratory routes and international maritime traffic, thus justifying the need for "technologically advanced, modern, and cutting-edge" vessels.

The Maritime Rescue operation in Andalusia, which includes five coordination centers, 17 vessels, and helicopters covering over 900 km of coastline, was described as "first-class" by Fernández. In 2025, this operation assisted over 5,200 people, with more than 1,200 corresponding to the waters of the province of Almería. The coordination centers are located in Huelva, Cádiz, Tarifa, Algeciras, and Almería.

The previous vessel, the Salvamar 'Spica', which served in Almería from the summer of 2017 until February of this year, completed 1,912 missions and sailed 73,187 miles.

Fernández praised the work of Maritime Rescue professionals, emphasizing their high qualifications, public service vocation, dedication, and humanity, calling the service "absolutely essential." He assured that the Executive will continue "betting on the strengthening of Maritime Rescue, the renewal of resources, and support for those who carry out this essential work," as "investing in maritime safety is investing in protection, sustainability, and human lives".