The Fire Prevention, Extinction, and Rescue Service (Speis) of the Alicante Council has completed a comprehensive remodelling of its operational base in the Port. This has enabled the service to increase its operational capacity and reaction capacity. As a result of the rapid exit to the sea, the response time to emergency and assistance cases has been reduced by 20 to 30 minutes, according to the calculations of the service’s officer in charge, Leandro Mateo. The divers are responsible for underwater safety, while the entire fire brigade personnel, which includes 20 boat skippers, is trained to conduct rescues and assistance operations on the water surface.
The renovation was completed following the transfer of a berth to Speis at Pier 15, which is adjacent to the Maritime Fisheries Institute, by the Port of Alicante. The two Speis vessels, which were previously dispersed across two locations along the coastline—the Regatta Club and the Alicante Marina—are now housed in the same port. Additionally, a container has been erected adjacent to the pier to accommodate the diving unit, which comprises 18 officers, as well as for all other emergency operations.
Mateo emphasises that the safety and service provided to citizens have been significantly enhanced by the presence of the two ships in close proximity to the open sea, resulting in a significant reduction in response time by half an hour. “Additionally, we have been situated in the same vicinity as other agencies and institutions that have jurisdiction over maritime safety, including the Guardia Civil and Maritime Rescue. This has enabled us to enhance coordination and efficiency,” the Speis officer continues.
From this base, the three-person firefighter squad that is responsible for bolstering security on Tabarca Island departs daily in one of the boats. Julio Calero, the Councillor for Security, explains that a preventive checkpoint is established every weekday to address any emergency that may occur, both on land and at sea, during the summer months, when the number of visitors to the island increases significantly. He further states that “accidents, collisions, or incidents with the numerous recreational boats that approach Tabarca occur relatively frequently,” including those involving swimmers who leap from the cliffs despite the prohibition.
The Speis base in the Port is equipped to address any emergency that may occur at sea, including the rescue of individuals in distress (shipwrecked individuals, vessels in distress), potential cases of missing persons or assistance upon the arrival of immigrants, and beach rescue. The municipal service frequently collaborates with the Guardia Civil and maintains an agreement with Maritime Rescue to provide technical assistance to vessels that have become adrift. The new port at this base is also being utilised by the Local Police vessels that patrol the municipality’s coast. Additionally, the force has a shelter for officers and other services.
Demand accountability for jet skis and recreational vessels
The Speis official underscores the “drift” that has been observed in recent years, which is characterised by a “considerable increase” in the number of rental recreational vessels and jet skis in the coastal waters of the municipality. He also urges users to exercise “responsibility and caution.” Mateos emphasises that it is imperative to be aware of the fundamental regulations governing the permissible and prohibited activities on these vessels and jet skiers prior to their use, as they can present significant hazards, despite their apparent recreational appeal.
He underscores the necessity of adhering to the buoy zone’s prohibition on sailing, the prohibition on the consumption of intoxicating beverages while operating vessels, and the necessity of monitoring the weather forecast due to the rapidity with which sea conditions can fluctuate. The skipper is accountable for the protection of all on board, and it is imperative that we are cognisant of the potential hazards that these vessels may present to other sailors and users.
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