Adriatic Sea SARex-2024 Concludes Successfully, Strengthening International Collaboration in Search and Rescue Operations

The Adriatic Sea Search and Rescue Exercise 2024 (SARex 2024) has successfully concluded, reinforcing cross-border coordination and crisis response capabilities among maritime authorities of Croatia, Italy and Slovenia. The exercise, part of the MMO Adria 2024 framework, took place across multiple locations in the northern Adriatic Sea on 1-2 October 2024, with EMSA coordinating closely with the European Fisheries Control Agency (EFCA) and Frontex participating as an observer.

The exercise tested operational readiness through a combination of practical and tabletop exercises designed to simulate real-world scenarios. It involved Maritime Rescue Coordination Centres (MRCCs) and Maritime Rescue Sub Centres (MRSCs) from Rijeka and Pula (Croatia), Rome, Trieste and Venice (Italy), and Koper (Slovenia). Assets from these countries operated in the air, at sea, and onshore, with EFCA’s vessel Ocean Sentinel playing a key role.

Key objectives and activities

SARex 2024 was structured around four main operational activities:

• Search and Rescue operations: Practical SAR exercises were conducted to test the joint efforts of the MRCCs of Croatia, Italy and Slovenia. The exercise simulated a maritime accident in the Gulf of Trieste, requiring the coordination of the involved rescue teams to locate and save the crew of a sunken vessel.
• Communication and coordination: In this combined SAR activity, MRCC Rijeka received information about a boat in distress. The scenario evolved based on inputs from the Joint Coordination Team (consisting of representatives from the participating Member States, EFCA and Frontex, and led by EMSA). The tabletop component of the exercise involved assessing incoming information, making decisions and simulating SAR actions, such as calculating search patterns and tasking units. Practical elements were also incorporated including communication between MRCCs, tasking units for specific activities and managing a radio medical consultation.
• Common Information Sharing Environment (CISE): A component of SARex 2024 was the testing of the CISE network and exchanging of exercise information through CISE. Participants exchanged information on potential risks, including underwater critical maritime infrastructure damage, an irregular immigration event, suspected ship involved in the accident and a fishing vessel.
• Pollution monitoring: The fourth activity simulated pollution monitoring efforts. This exercise aimed to improve the region’s readiness for maritime environmental crises.

Collaboration and coordination

SARex 2024 brought together a wide array of participants, including representatives from the Italian Coast Guard, the Slovenian Maritime Administration, and Croatia's Ministry of the Sea, Transport, and Infrastructure. The joint exercise demonstrated the importance of seamless communication and coordinated decision-making in effectively managing maritime emergencies.

The exercise was coordinated physically from Koper, Slovenia, with pre- and post-exercise meetings hosted by the MRCC Koper.

Outcomes and future steps

SARex 2024 successfully met its objectives of testing collaborative capabilities, enhancing situational awareness, and evaluating the effectiveness of joint SAR operations in the Adriatic Sea. The exercise also highlighted areas for further improvement in communication systems and cross-border coordination, which will be addressed in future iterations.

Representatives from EMSA, EFCA, Frontex, and the involved maritime authorities will convene for post-exercise evaluation meetings to review the outcomes and identify areas for strengthening SAR procedures and cooperation in future incidents.

The Adriatic Sea SARex 2024 underscores the commitment of European maritime authorities to safeguarding lives at sea and protecting the marine environment through robust, coordinated international efforts.