Yesterday afternoon, the Italian Navy ship San Giorgio (L9892) arrived off the coast of Derna.
Heavy rains and floods in the Libyan city of Derna have killed thousands, with more than 10,000 feared dead. The rains began on September 12, 2023, and have continued for several days, causing widespread damage to homes, businesses, and infrastructure. The Libyan government has declared a state of emergency in Derna, and the United Nations has called for international assistance to help with the relief efforts.
The ITS San Giorgio, which has already been used in situations related to natural disasters in the past, will be able to operate as a logistical and medical platform and actively participate in the relief efforts thanks to the helicopters it carries.
Additional information about San Giorgio:
- San Giorgio is a Landing Platform Dock (LPD) ship, meaning it is designed to transport and launch amphibious vehicles and personnel.
- The ship is 143 meters long and 21.5 meters wide.
- It has a displacement of 7,960 tons.
- The ship’s crew consists of 17 officers, 146 petty officers and sailors, and over 350 men of the San Marco Regiment.