Sierra Leone Navy on patrol
The Commander of the Sierra Leone Navy says his men rescued 459 people from drowning in 2013 and 45 so far this year.
Speaking to Politico in an exclusive interview, Captain (Navy) Sallieu Kanu said his soldiers went on 45 search-and-rescue operations last year and three such this year which led to the 504 lives being saved.
He said 48 of the passengers mostly in local dug-out canoes, died last year before they could be saved, and so far this year none had died on those occasions that they were involved in search-and-rescue ops.
The navy conducted a total of 501 patrols last year and 218 so far this year.
Among other things, the navy - now called the Maritime Wing because of the kind of additional responsibilities they now carry out - have stepped up their general patrols especially against illegal trawlers mostly from Asia, fishing in the country's waters.
(C) Politico 17/04/14
