The Government delegate in Cantabria, Eugenia Gómez de Diego, visited the Seve-Ballesteros Santander Airport, where she held a meeting with the crew of the Civil Guard helicopter that strengthens security during the summer in the region. The visit was also attended by the Colonel Chief of the Civil Guard in Cantabria, Antonio Orantos, along with other members of the Corps.
To date, the Ministry of the Interior has deployed in Cantabria more than 100 personnel of specialized units of the Civil Guard coming from outside the autonomous community. These reinforcements, which include a helicopter, troops of the Reserve and Security Group, divers and French gendarmes, have been vital in dates and events with a high influx of people.
The government delegate stressed the importance of these reinforcements to guarantee a safe summer for both residents and visitors of Cantabria, highlighting the commitment of the Civil Guard in the protection and security of the community.
He also stressed that "Cantabria is one of the safest regions in Europe, with a crime rate 8 points below the national average". In fact, as he recalled, conventional crime fell last year in the region by 3.4%, which "reinforces the commitment to the safety and well-being of our citizens and visitors."
The Civil Guard helicopter, based in Asturias, has performed 45% of its annual services in Cantabria since June. This device not only participates in rescues and searches, but also supports citizen security units, surveillance in events, tourist areas, and environmental protection. In addition, it has contributed to security in key facilities such as the Port of Santander and the Seve Ballesteros Airport, which record a significant increase in passengers on these dates.
Surveillance has also intensified on the Caminos de Santiago and Lebaniego, with the support of the French Gendarmerie due to the presence of French pilgrims. In July there was a gendarme, and in August two more are expected to arrive to perform joint services with the Civil Guard of Cantabria.
During this period, several units of the Reserve and Security Group of the Civil Guard have been deployed in Cantabria, participating in the festivities of the Coso Blanco in Castro Urdiales and the festivities of the Christ of Comillas, providing support in missions of public order and citizen security. This group includes a cavalry group that has served in localities such as Liencres, Noja, San Vicente de la Barquera, Boo de Piélagos and Suances.
The troops of the Civil Guard Underwater Activities Group, coming from Asturias and Madrid, have carried out various rescue, surveillance and protection operations in Cantabrian waters. These divers, specialized in dives at great depths, also carry out wreck monitoring to prevent despoliation and protect the marine environment.
These reinforcements are part of the Special Action Plan for the development of responsible leisure, initiated on June 1, and the subsequent implementation of Operation Summer 2024.