Working Conditions Aboard the Miguel-De-Cervantes

On the afternoon of July 20, 2023, the specialized search and rescue vessel 'Miguel Cervantes' was deployed to combat a significant fire that broke out in the cold storage and ice manufacturing areas of the Frisu IV, stationed at the Fishing Pier in the Port of Las Palmas. After more than 12 hours of intense firefighting efforts, concern grew regarding potential structural damage to the warehouse, necessitating careful direct intervention. By July 21, emergency services, including the Emergency Action Plan (PAE) from the Port of Las Palmas and the Fire Fighting and Rescue Service of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, remained active on-site. They were joined by port services and firefighters from both the capital of Gran Canaria as well as multiple companies such as Boluda, Sasemar, Gesport, and Endesa. The fire ignited at approximately 7:50 p.m., prompting the activation of the Emergency and Security Coordination Center (CECOES) 112 alongside the PAE of the Port of Las Palmas. The situation escalated with two tugs, including a Boluda vessel and the 'Adriatico', placed on standby to assist in the firefighting efforts. Shortly after, at 8:46 p.m., the request was made for Salvamento Marítimo to send the 'Miguel de Cervantes'. Additionally, moored vessels were instructed to relocate to alternative berths to ensure safety. By 1:25 a.m. on July 21, the fire was reported under control, allowing for the release of the tugs. Nevertheless, emergency responders identified two remaining hotspots in hard-to-reach areas that required further attention. For detailed reports and photos, visit the following links: [Canarias7](https://www.canarias7.es/sucesos/produce-incendio-nave-muelle-20230720201854-nt.html) and [El Diario](https://www.eldiario.es/canariasahora/sucesos/incendio-nave-frigorifica-puerto-palmas-gran-canaria_1_10395959.html).

On October 2, the somber discovery of four deceased migrants was made in the Atlantic Ocean, where they had been aboard an inflatable dinghy along with 34 individuals. The recovery operation was conducted by the 'Miguel de Cervantes,' which located the bodies approximately 150 miles southwest of Gran Canaria. Among the grim find was a lone survivor, a 27-year-old man, who had endured a harrowing experience and was found clinging to the dinghy amidst the tragedy. Rescued by a cargo vessel, the survivor was airlifted to Gran Canaria on the afternoon of October 1, suffering from severe hypothermia. Unfortunately, the fate of the remaining 29 migrants remains bleak, as they are presumed to have been engulfed by the ocean after departing from a location south of Laayoune in Western Sahara. This incident highlights the ongoing perilous journeys faced by migrants seeking a better life.

The merchant vessel 'Miguel de Cervantes' made a heartbreaking discovery on October 1, 2022, when it found the bodies of four individuals aboard a rubber boat approximately 150 miles southwest of Gran Canaria. Alongside the deceased, one survivor was rescued from the distressing scene. Following the discovery, the ship set its course for Las Palmas, with an expected arrival on October 3 at 6 a.m. The initial sighting of the rubber boat was made by another merchant ship, which successfully rescued the survivor. The individual was later airlifted to safety by the SAR helicopter Helimer 206.