PHOTOS: Sergio Betancort
The maritime action vessel (BAM) "Tornado", which is carrying out a maritime surveillance and security campaign in the waters of the Canary Archipelago, has arrived in Arrecife for a one-day stopover. During its stay in the city, the ship will hold an open day between 4:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m.
The "Tornado" is the most modern of the Navy's four maritime action vessels in its oceanic patrol version, which are based at the Las Palmas Military Arsenal. Its area of operations extends up to 3,500 miles, including tropical water areas.
Built by Navantia at the San Fernando factory (Cádiz) and delivered to the Navy in July 2012, it has a length of 93.90 meters and a beam of 14.20 meters. Ships of this class are designed to carry out missions of maritime traffic control, protection of merchant traffic, surveillance and control of fishing, control and neutralization of piracy, as well as operations against drug trafficking.
The ship has a crew of 51 people, although during this campaign it is reinforced by 11 Marines from the Canary Islands Security Unit, who contribute to the protection of the ship and enable it to carry out boardings at sea.
