A maritime exercised bilaterally organised between the Armed Forces of Malta and the Italian Coast Guard, with the participation of Transport Malta, EMSA, REMPEC and other agencies, has come to an end.

The exercised called BARRACUDA 2024, was held within the Maltese territorial sea successfully came to an end on Thursday 9 May 2024.

"During the two-day exercise, a total of eleven air and maritime assets, mainly from the Armed Forces of Malta and the Italian Coastguard, together with Malta Police Force and Civil Protection Department, supplemented by five civilian vessels, participated in different simulated scenarios in maritime law enforcement, mass evacuation and pollution response," the Armed Forces of Malta said.

"This maritime exercise has not only contributed to the enhancement of bilateral (Malta - Italy) and multi-agency collaboration and cooperation, but has put into test the preparedness and professionalism of the Armed Forces of Malta and respective agencies in reacting, handling, and safeguarding our seas."