Galicia Vessel Reviews and Specifications

On August 27, 2025, the captain of the 'Galicia' called for emergency medical support from the CROSS Jobourg after a passenger onboard became ill. The vessel, en route from Bilbao to Portsmouth, was situated approximately 20 nautical miles northwest of Pointe de la Hague in the English Channel at the time. In response to the situation, the CROSS Jobourg facilitated a conference call involving the Toulouse Maritime Medical Consultation Center in Haute-Garonne, the Maritime Medical Coordination Emergency Medical Service (SAMU) in Le Havre, and the 133 medical unit of the French Army Health Service based in Querqueville. Following their assessment, it was decided that a medical evacuation (medevac) was necessary for the passenger. The CROSS Jobourg deployed an H-160 helicopter from the Naval Base in Maupertus, accompanied by a medical team from the armed forces' health service. Upon arrival at the scene, the helicopter successfully landed on the ferry, transferred the patient aboard, and subsequently transported him to Tourlaville, where local rescue services promptly took over and transported him to the hospital for further care.

On October 17, 2024, approximately 400 travelers found themselves stranded aboard the ferry 'Galicia' at the Port of Bilbao following a technical malfunction. The vessel, which was scheduled to depart for Rosslare at 4 p.m. Irish time, experienced issues with one of its two engines, forcing the cancellation of the journey. Passengers were allowed to remain on board overnight as engineers worked diligently to resolve the engine problem. However, the delays continued, with passengers disembarking at 7 a.m. on October 18. As of now, the 'Galicia' remains docked in the port awaiting further repairs.

On August 11, 2024, a concerning medical situation unfolded aboard the ferry 'Galicia' when a 5-year-old boy sustained injuries while the vessel was approximately 200 kilometers south of Penmarch. At 9:58 p.m. local time, emergency protocols were activated, leading to the swift deployment of a H160 helicopter from the French Navy's Lanvéoc base, which took off at 10:32 p.m. In a coordinated rescue operation, both the injured child and his mother, both of Spanish nationality, were airlifted from the ferry as it traveled between Bilbao and Rosslare. They were safely transported to the La Cavale-Blanche hospital in Brest, arriving shortly after midnight. Fortunately, medical assessments confirmed that the child's life was not in danger, providing relief to the family during this distressing event.

On July 18, 2024, the ferry 'Galicia' made headlines after rescuing three fishermen who found themselves in a perilous situation about 13.5 nautical miles north of Bilbao. While en route from Rosslare, the vigilant crew of the 'Galicia' noticed a sinking boat and swiftly took action to save the lives of the castaways. Equipped with life jackets, the three men were found struggling in the water and were pulled to safety. The rescue operation concluded around 9 a.m. as the ferry docked at the port of Bilbao, albeit an hour later than scheduled. Additionally, the CCS Bilbao of Salvamento Marítimo deployed the SAR vessel 'María de Maeztu' to assist with the situation. This search and rescue ship successfully recovered a radio beacon along with debris from the sunken fishing vessel 'Txindor 4', which had capsized shortly before 5:15 a.m. while departing from the Real Club Marítimo del Abra in Getxo. Despite the alarming circumstances, the three fishermen were fortunate to be rescued in good health after nearly an hour in the water. Upon arrival at the terminal, the fishermen were met by representatives from the National Police and the Civil Guard, alongside ambulance personnel, although they ultimately did not require any medical attention. This timely rescue serves as a reminder of the importance of maritime vigilance and the courage of those who work at sea.