Mission accomplished for the Portuguese aircraft P3C Orion
Welcomed in EUNAVFOR MED operation Sophia by the High Representative of the European Union and Vice President of the European Commission, Federica Mogherini, during her visit to the mission flagship last 15 April, recently the Portuguese Air Force aircraft P3C Orion has flown back home.
61 days in which the Portuguese crew has flown more than 75 hours, making a considerable contribution to the European Task Force’s situational awareness and intelligence activity whilst contributing to save the life of more than 3500 people. A huge effort recognized by EUNAVFOR MED Force Commander who highlighted that “Operating in situations where the number of migrant boats regularly exceed the capacity of on-scene rescue services, the Portuguese P3 Maritime Patrol Aircraft callsign LOBO’s reports brought clarity to an often confused environment allowing resources to be deployed in the most effective manner. Without the professionalism and dedication of such crews, many lives would have been lost at sea”.
Launched almost one year ago, on June 22, EUNAVFOR MED operation Sophia has entered its second phase last October 7th. Thus far, the Operation has contributed to save almost 16000 lives while 71 people have been reported to the Italian Authorities as possible smugglers and 148 vessels have been removed from illegal organizations’ availability.