A Portuguese submarine in the Mediterranean
(B2) The Portuguese submarine Trident set sail on Monday (18 March) to join the European maritime operation EUNAVFOR Sophia to combat migrant smuggling
A mission: the collection of information on traffickers
The ship should stay two months in the area, with one main mission: collecting information. These will be shared with the regional authorities responsible for rescue at sea, with a view to identifying vessels overcrowded with migrants », the smugglers and their sponsors. The objective is to " contribute to reducing the risk of loss of human life in the region says the Portuguese Navy.
A contribution to Sea Guardian
The 'Trident' will also support the operation'Sea Guardian' of NATO, by making available its capabilities and systems for collecting information in the field of maritime situational awareness in the Mediterranean region, which will be shared with the Alliance's command structure.
A woman on board
Among the 36 soldiers, a woman. This is the first time that a Portuguese submersible has taken on a woman in its crew, announcement the Portuguese Armed Forces General Staff.
A discreet tool
(comment) This is not the first time, however, that a submarine has been used in Operation Sophia. Recently, a Greek submarine had been used. And French or Italian submarines have also been activated in the past. The discreet, unsuspected side of this ship enables it to provide all-round surveillance of the Libyan coast and its surroundings, to observe the various traffics and military movements — the trafficking of human beings is not often the only objective of the sub- sailors.
(NGV)
