The M-32 ‘Sella’ and M-35 ‘Duero’ minehunters carry out presence, surveillance and deterrence operations in the Gulf of Cadiz and the Alboran Sea.

• These mine action operations are carried out in the main Spanish ports on a regular basis to update the seabed databases.

The minehunters ‘Sella’ (M-32) and ‘Duero’ (M-35) are carrying out presence, surveillance and deterrence operations in the Gulf of Cadiz and the Alboran Sea to survey the seabed.

These mine action operations, which began at the beginning of the month, are carried out periodically in the main Spanish ports to update seabed databases.

In order to carry out these tasks, strict safety conditions must be maintained with respect to maritime traffic, to avoid interference with the normal operation of ships entering and leaving the ports.

The crews of the minehunters ‘Sella’ and ‘Duero’ are made up of sailors specialised in the detection, classification, destruction and disabling of submerged explosive devices. To carry out these tasks, they have great manoeuvrability and means such as variable depth sonar and two underwater vehicles. 

This mission is carried out within the framework of the Armed Forces' Presence, Surveillance and Deterrence Operations, with both vessels integrated into the Maritime Operational Command and under the operational control of the Operations Command.