Four Maltese police officers join Frontex operation in the Black Sea

Four Maltese police officers are spending the summer in the Black Sea, taking part in a Frontex maritime operation off the coast of Romania.

A sergeant and three constables are stationed there between July 9 and October 1, joining officers from Portugal, Italy, Greece, Latvia, and Romania.

This marks the first time Maltese police officers are participating in maritime operations abroad, and the first time Frontex is conducting this type of mission.

The officers are patrolling between the Romanian ports of Constanța and Mangalia, near the border with Bulgaria, using a police vessel.

Their participation follows a 2022 agreement with the EU, after the Malta Police Force acquired two small rigid-hulled inflatable boats (RHIBs) with EU funding. The deal allows Maltese crews to take part in Frontex-led operations outside Malta.

The Maltese officers have joined others from Portugal, Italy, Greece, Latvia, and Romania in the first Frontex mission of its kind. Photo: Malta Police Corps

During the Black Sea patrols, the Maltese officers are inspecting vessels, checking crew documentation, relaying information to the Romanian coast guard, and assisting in rescue operations when needed.

They are also conducting inspections alongside the Romanian Fisheries Department and monitoring the Romania–Bulgaria border to deter illegal trafficking of substances and people, particularly from Turkey.

In addition, the officers will receive training from Frontex on the use of advanced equipment, including water-launched drones, night-time maritime surveillance tools, and remote-controlled life buoys that can assist people in distress without requiring officers to enter the water.