TWO officers have died after two Guardia Civil vessels collided during a high-speed pursuit of a suspected drug-running speedboat off the coast of Andalusia.
German Perez and another unidentified Guardia Civil officer died following the high-speed collision which occurred around 130km off the coast of Huelva.
Perez was 55 years old and had reportedly served in the Guardia Civil for 30 years.
A further two officers were seriously injured and are receiving medical treatment.
Jose Fernandez, the government’s representative in Andalucia say they are being ‘monitored closely.’
With both vessels stranded miles offshore, a helicopter from Cadiz’s Maritime Base was deployed to assist in the rescue operation.
The Guardia Civil confirmed the fatal collision and Perez’s death, saying: “We regret the death of our colleague German in the line of duty following a collision between two vessels of the Civil Guard Maritime Service while pursuing a drug-running speedboat off the coast of Huelva.”
The second deceased officer died after Perez and the Guardia Civil’s statement as a result of serious injuries sustained in the crash.
The incident comes two years after two officers were killed off the coast of Barbate when a drug-running speedboat rammed their vessel, once again highlighting the risks faced in pursuing so-called ‘narcolanchas,’ which increasingly operate in Andalucia’s waters.
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