Spanish patrol vessel Rayo (P-42) will dock at Motril Port this Saturday the 7th for a two day visit.

On the 7th there will be a ceremonial flag-lowering event at sunset with local dignatories invited, followed on Sunday by an open day during which visitors will be allowed to board the ship and have a look around.

Visiting times begin at 09.00h and conclude at 14.00h.

Spain has four ships of this class under the Canary Islands Naval Command, which besides patrolling national waters and areas of interest, also participate in anti-drug operations.

For example, in December 2013, it participated in the drugs operation that led to the capture off the Canary Islands of the Triton 2000 sailing vessel, carrying 550 kg of cocaine on board

BAM Rayo is the second patrol ship within the Meteoro Class and has a crew of 46: six officers, 10 NCOs 30 ratings, as well as two (pilot/copilot) helicopter crew, eight special forces personnel and ten marines.

Its armament is one 76mm cannon, two automatic 25mm cannons, and two, mounted, 50-cal, heavy machine guns.

Finally, its two diesel engines gives it a maximum speed of 20 knots with a range of 8,700 nautical miles.

(News/Noticias: Motril, Costa Tropical, Granada, Andalucia)