For this reason, since spring 2022, we have been operating the AURORA, a 14-meter rescue boat that has been adapted for use in the Central Mediterranean. It can reach a top speed of 25 knots. This makes it one of the fastest vessels in the civilian search and rescue fleet in the central Mediterranean.
The AURORA is literally tailor-made for its operation: Unlike most large rescue vessels – which were built as research ships or offshore supply vessels and had to be extensively refitted for their new purpose – the AURORA is operated as it has proven itself in over 20 years of service in the UK. The AURORA was built as a lifeboat and was part of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) fleet until 2019.
The main difference is the range, for which we have fitted the boat with additional fuel tanks. We also repainted the boat, overhauled its electronic systems, and installed additional life-saving equipment to adapt it to the special situation in the central Mediterranean. The crew of six includes a Captain, Engineer, RHIB driver, Head of Mission, Cultural Mediator, and Medic.
