What Crew Members Say About Maria-Pita

On the evening of August 24, 2026, a fierce blaze engulfed the fishing vessel 'Corvo' (MMSI: 224076440) near Estaca de Bares, prompting a dramatic rescue operation. The Finisterre Coordination Center received an urgent distress signal around 10:04 p.m. from the vessel, which was situated eight nautical miles northeast of Estaca de Bares. In a stroke of bravery, the three crew members were forced to abandon the ship in a life raft when their attempts to extinguish the flames were unsuccessful. Responding promptly, the Pesca II helicopter from the Galician Coast Guard Service, along with the SAR boat 'Salvamar Alioth' (MMSI: 224300690) and the 'María Pita' of Salvamento Marítimo, were mobilized for the rescue mission. By 10:35 p.m., the fishing vessel 'Río Xunco' (IMO: 9183178) successfully rescued the crew members, who were later airlifted to Celeiro (Viveiro), where a waiting ambulance provided immediate care. Despite the tireless efforts of the 'María Pita' to combat the flames throughout the night, the vessel ultimately succumbed to the fire, sinking around 5:40 a.m. on August 25. A tugboat remained at the site to assist in recovering the wreckage. The entire emergency operation was coordinated by the Finisterre Maritime Rescue Center under the guidance of the Burela Maritime Captaincy. For further details including visual coverage of the incident, visit these links: [News Report](https://www.eleconomista.es/actualidad/noticias/14009887/08/26/un-voraz-incendio-hunde-al-pesquero-corvo-frente-a-estaca-de-bares-tras-el-rescate-de-su-tripulacion.html), [Social Media Update](https://x.com/salvamentogob/status/2092156972904718556), [Local News Coverage](https://www.vivagalicia.tv/articulo/Galicia/rescatados-tres-tripulantes-palangrero-que-incendio-cerca-estaca-baresm/20260825120526022975.html).

On the evening of September 16, 2024, the pleasure craft 'Carmen' found itself stranded and adrift in the mussel farm polygon situated northeast of La Guía, following an unexpected engine failure. The situation was swiftly addressed by the auxiliary vessel from 'María Pita,' which promptly launched to assist. The crew successfully towed 'Carmen' back to the safety of the port at Santa Cristina de Cobres, ensuring a safe return for all aboard.