In the ongoing underwater search, the Civil Guard’s specialized unit faced a slow start as the first attempt to reach the spot where the sunken fishing vessel lay did not succeed. The boat had disappeared beneath the waves after dawn, leaving a chilling mystery about the distance—roughly 9.6 kilometers offshore from Santander—where a strong current was reported as the main obstacle. The effort to recover and inspect the wreck has required patience, with teams monitoring every meter of the sea and adjusting their plan as weather and water conditions evolve. This is a reminder that ocean rescues can hinge on nature’s stubborn variables, even for a mission backed by modern technology and trained crews.
Early in the afternoon, the salvage operation continued with a robot deployed to gather data, though sea conditions remained less than favorable. The crews noted that the conditions prevented a full descent to the wreck at that moment, keeping operations limited to careful observation from the surface and controlled submersions when possible. Civil Guard sources emphasized that the robot’s mission remains a priority, and the team remains hopeful that forecasts will improve in the hours ahead so deeper visual data can be captured. The approach is methodical, prioritizing safety while steadily advancing toward the objective.
There is anticipation that the semi-submersible vehicle presently stationed in the area can be recovered if the weather allows. The plan includes re-submerging the robot and capturing images of the vessel at depths currently estimated between 120 and 150 meters. Such imagery could be crucial for confirming the status of the wreck and supporting further actions, including search efforts for any missing crew members.
The robot, which has arrived in Santander from the Civil Guard’s Underwater Activities Unit based in Valdemoro, is tasked with assessing the condition of the sunken ship. Officials believe the vessel may be linked to the case of a missing Peruvian sailor, Walter Ferreiro, and to the broader tragedy that claimed the lives of two other crew members. The assessment will help determine next steps in the rescue and recovery operation.
The search effort has now involved more than two days of continuous work by sea and air, with multiple assets deployed to cover all angles. A Helimer helicopter, an aircraft, and a patrol boat have been active in the vicinity on Wednesday. In addition, another Marine Rescue unit and Civil Guard personnel are contributing to the effort. The coordination remains tight, with every asset playing a role in extending the reach of the search and the potential for recovery.