On the early morning of September 20, the fishing vessel Ray Primero sprung a leak 10 nautical miles off A Coruña, Spain. The Ray Primero sent out a distress call stating the vessel had uncontrolled flooding and the crew were abandoning ship into a life raft. The Salvamento Marítimo launched a search and rescue operation with multiple vessels and a helicopter to the scene. The helicopter found the life raft and hoisted all 11 crew to safety. No reports of injuries.
When the search and rescue vessels arrived, they found the Ray Primero still afloat. Authorities started dewatering efforts while the 22 meter long search and rescue vessel Salvamar Betelgeuse (MMSI: 225986508) and the 40 meter long tugboat María de Maeztu (IMO: 9429091) connected a towing line. The vessels took the fishing vessel under tow and proceed to A Coruña. The vessels arrived in port safely.
Reports state that minor repairs were done on the fishing vessel. No reports of pollution released.
