Successfully conducted search, rescue and firefighting exercise at sea

The Maritime Safety and Port Management Authority (MSPA) successfully conducted a demonstration exercise at Tivat's Solile with the aim of practicing firefighting and rescuing injured people from the sea and from a vessel located outside the port.

UPSUL announced that the exercise tested procedures and coordination between state institutions and the private sector in responding to emergencies at sea.

"The exercise scenario included sending a distress call from an anchored ferry, which was received by the UPSUL Maritime Operations Center," the statement said.

UPSUL said that after receiving the call, the National Search and Rescue Plan at Sea, as well as the National Plan for the Prevention of Marine Pollution from Vessels, were activated.

"The exercise primarily involved searching and rescuing people at sea, evacuating them from the ferry, and then, with the engagement of emergency response teams, extinguishing fires from the sea and on the ferry itself, as well as treating the injured and transporting them to shore where medical assistance awaited them," the statement said.

This demanding exercise, as stated by UPSUL, confirmed the efficient coordination of all exercise participants and the readiness of the competent services for quick and more organized action in crisis situations.

"Of particular importance is the fact that the exercise was conducted in the Bay of Kotor, where, due to intense maritime traffic, there is an evident increased risk of such or similar events," the Administration said.

They said that in addition to the host Luštica Bay with its LBSERS team and LB MEDICAL team, representatives of Porto Montenegro also participated in the demonstration exercise with their special fireboat "Jovana" and a crew of firefighters.

"Representatives of the company 'BRIV Construction' with the ferry 'Vasilije', members of the Navy of the Army of Montenegro, the Border Police Sector, the Kotor Port Authority, OKC 112 of the Directorate for Protection and Rescue, and the Public Company for Maritime Zone Management of Montenegro with a boat and crew also participated," the statement said.

It is stated that the exercise was led by UPSUL, which participated with the crew and vessels EKO-1, SAR-1 and SAR scooter, with the coordination of operators from the Maritime Operations Center.

"UPSUL expresses its satisfaction with the successful implementation of the exercise and its gratitude to all participants for their professional engagement and contribution to strengthening overall safety at sea," the statement added.