Olbia, plane crash at sea: major drill begins

Plane crash at sea : Olbia prepares for major search and rescue exercise “AIRSUBSAREX 2025”.

Led by the Northern Sardinia Maritime Directorate – 16th Maritime Rescue Sub Center (MRSC), a major exercise will begin tomorrow at 9:00 a.m. in the waters southeast of Tavolara. From signaling the control tower, to the immediate activation of the 16th MRSC, to the deployment of naval and air assets for the search and recovery of shipwrecked passengers (who will be simulated with mannequins), and disembarkation – where medical personnel will provide assistance at an Advanced Medical Post (PMA) set up at Pier 1 Bis on Isola Bianca – the exercise is of fundamental importance "in an area like Gallura," the Maritime Directorate emphasizes, "which is affected by heavy passenger traffic, where the criticality is real and the aim is to further raise levels of preparedness and interoperability." At sea, the Coast Guard's coordination is aimed at testing complex procedures that, in times of emergency, must be absolutely clear and shared, so as to shorten response times and safeguard human life. On land, under the guidance of the Prefecture of Sassari, the management responses for major emergencies will be consolidated.

The complex simulation will involve Coast Guard naval and air units, including SAR patrol boats and an AW139 helicopter, along with—based on availability—the Carabinieri, State Police, Guardia di Finanza, and Fire Brigade. Locally, based on their respective responsibilities, the Prefecture, Regional Civil Protection, AREUS-118, and the Italian Red Cross will be involved, along with airport authorities (ENAC, ENAV, GEASAR) and technical-nautical services (port pilots, mooring operators, and tugboats).