Wednesday 27 October saw a helicopter from the 82nd CSAR Centre conduct a rescue operation off the coast of Pantelleria, after being alerted by the Air Operations Command. The 82nd Centre was directed by the Air Operations Command (COA) in Poggio Renatico (Ferrara), following a request from the 12th MRSC (Maritime Rescue Sub Centre) in Palermo, relayed via the Air Staff Situation Room. The helicopter reached its target over the ship at 09:20 local time and, despite strong winds and rough seas, rescued two burn victims, whose conditions were immediately assessed as very serious, using a winch-operated stretcher. The patients were then transported to the military airport in Trapani, arriving at 10:45 local time, where they were transferred by a 118 ambulance to the civilian hospital in Trapani. The helicopter crew from the 82nd Centre comprised pilots Captain Santoro Santi and Lieutenant Gabriele De Luca, on-board operators Lieutenant Colonel Alberto Fontana and Marshal 1st Class Alessandro Onizzi, air rescue swimmer Marshal 1st Class Giuseppe Fattopace, and medical assistant Warrant Officer Stefano Passarelli. The 15th CSAR Wing, with its Squadrons/Centres, guarantees 24/7 search and rescue for flight crews in distress, year-round, and also contributes to public utility activities such as the search for missing persons at sea or in mountains, emergency medical transport for patients in life-threatening conditions, and the rescue of severely traumatised individuals. Since its formation, crews from the Wing have saved approximately 7,000 lives in danger.
