The NATO Undersea Research Centre (NURC) oceanographic vessel 'Alliance' on Monday came to the rescue of an 18-metre pleasure craft on fire in Italian international waters, near the port of Savona in the Ligurian Sea.
Having noticed the motor yacht on fire at about five miles distance, the 'Alliance' crew promptly notified the Italian Coastguard and launched a Delta fast rescue boat. Six people were rescued: an Italian family of five and an Ecuadorian woman. A few minutes later the burning yacht sank.
Uninjured but visibly shocked, the rescued passengers were taken on board the 'Alliance' where they received first aid. They were then transferred to a Coastguard vessel.
The 'Alliance' is currently involved in the Sirena11 trial to investigate the presence and distribution of whales and dolphins in the Ligurian Sea.