ROME -- A Spanish sailor was saved by the Italian Coast Guard in an elaborate rescue mission that extended into the early hours of dawn. The sailor began his solo mission on the Greek Island of Crete, on April 11 intending to reach Sicily. However, as days passed without any information from the 12-metre sailing boat, concerns mounted.

  A satellite signal acquired by the Piraeus Rescue Centre in Greece indicated the possible presence of the unit 110 miles (about 200 kilometres) from Capo Spartivento, on the Calabrian coast.

  The Coast Guard rescue mission coordinated by the Maritime Directorate of the Calabria region was then set in motion. The mission consisted of one aeroplane, taking off from Catania; one patrol vessel, leaving from Roccella Ionica; and two diverted merchant ships. 

  Working in poor weather conditions of 40-knot winds on Friday evening, the Coast Guard’s aircraft eventually caught a glimpse of the “black bit”, its lone navigator sending out light signals in order to be located. The vessel was then reached by the CP311 patrol boat, with the sailor taken on board to be provided essential first aid treatment. He was then handed over to emergency services waiting for him at the port of Roccella Ionica.