The Angeles-Alvarino: A Vessel of Dual Purpose in Search and Recovery Operations

The Angeles-Alvarino has recently demonstrated its versatility and dedication to both scientific research and humanitarian efforts through two significant operational missions. This research vessel, operated by the Spanish Institute of Oceanography, was pivotal in two distinct but equally pressing tasks: the recovery of a lost underwater pipeline anchor and a search operation for a missing father and son.

On October 21, 2021, the Angeles-Alvarino was called upon to assist in recovering a lost anchor and pipeline connection used by a tanker supplying water to local banana plantations in Puerto Naos, La Palma. The rescue operation arose after the tanker lost connection during a maneuver, endangering the stability of the underwater infrastructure. The vessel employed its remotely operated vehicle (ROV) Liropus, which conducted an exhaustive underwater inspection reaching depths of 240 meters. The team's efforts culminated in locating and recovering the anchor, an operation that spanned two days and required high-resolution bathymetric mapping to define potential search areas. The successful recovery allowed the scientific team to return to their research regarding the ecological impacts of volcanic activity on local marine environments, which has been significant due to the ongoing volcanic eruptions in La Palma.

In stark contrast to this scientific endeavor, the Angeles-Alvarino has also been engaged in a somber mission: the search for Tomás and Anna Gimeno, who disappeared under mysterious circumstances. As the search nears its end, the head of the Court of Violence against Women in Santa Cruz de Tenerife has stated that it is becoming increasingly impossible to continue, given the treacherous underwater terrain and the unpredictable currents that complicate the search. In earlier searches conducted by the Angeles-Alvarino, the ROV successfully recovered the body of one of the missing children, Olivia, while evidence suggested that Tomás Gimeno’s actions may have led to this tragedy, including potential suicide while at sea. Intensive efforts have led to the discovery of key items, including diving bottles and weighted bags, yet the search for the remaining missing persons remains challenging.

With the ROV's operational hours nearly exhausted, there is urgency in the ongoing search, with plans to continue until the equipment inevitably requires maintenance back in Vigo, Galicia. Unfortunately, the alternate ROV provided by the Tenerife Council has proven inadequate for the demanding tasks at hand.

As the dual missions of the Angeles-Alvarino intertwine the pursuit of scientific knowledge with the gravity of human tragedy, the vessel serves as a testament to maritime innovation and the relentless pursuit of solace for families affected by loss in the heart of scant marine environments.