Environment

European Fisheries Control Agency patrol vessel equipped with anti-pollution gear

20 May 2019

Image:The chartered anti-pollution vessel at work. Image: EFCA Operations — The chartered anti-pollution vessel at work. Image: EFCA Operations

A European Fisheries Control Agency (EFCA) chartered patrol vessel - the Lundy Sentinel - has been equipped with anti-pollution equipment to help mop up oil spills.

The new 'pollution defence' equipment was provided by the European Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA) and the vessel successfully carried out an oil pollution drill in Spain's Bay of Vigo.

The EFCA’s patrol vessel will be added to EMSA’s network of stand-by oil spill response vessels.

EMSA and EFCA have agreed to extending cooperation into new areas including remotely piloted aircraft systems.

This cooperation between EFCA and EMSA takes place in the framework of the EU Coast Guard cooperation in which the two agencies, together with EU border and coastguard agency Frontex, support national authorities carrying out coast guard functions.