Emotional tribute to the heroic rescue of the frigate Ariete during the Remedios Vellos festivities in Lira.

Last Saturday, May 30, on the occasion of the Remedios Vellos festivities in the parish of Lira, they returned to pay homage to two of the most notable episodes in their recent history: the rescue of the frigate Ariete, washed up in front of Ardeleiro beach on February 25, 1966.

That day, the Spanish Navy ship sank a few meters from the coast and the neighbors of Lira and surrounding areas who, in doubt, helped the crew. Thanks to their bravery and quick collective organization, they managed to save more than 168 people who were traveling on board. An example of solidarity that remained engraved in the memory of the community.

Six decades later, and coinciding with the Remedios Vellos festivities, Lira received a visit from a delegation of the Spanish Navy to commemorate that heroic success and participate in a commemorative act in which we had the presence of the Royal Army of Veterans of the Armed Forces and the Command of the Maritime Action Force Units in Ferrol (COMAFER). Also present were the head of the Carnota Local Police, Francisco Vilabrille Caamaño, a resident of Carnota and a member of the National Police Corps, who was the person behind the initiative to name the multipurpose ship A61 after Carnota, who, together with the mayor of Carnota, participated in this emotional tribute. The presence of some two survivors of the shipwreck made this tribute even more special.

The delegation attended a solemn mass sung by the Mar de Ardora Polyphonic Choir of the Carnota Esmu Music School. Next, a traditional procession took place, accompanied by the Santa Cruz de Rivadulla Music Band and carried by the officers of the Multipurpose Ship “Carnota”, showing respect and gratitude to all the people linked to this historical event.

Our gratitude goes to all the people and entities that contributed to keeping alive this story of courage and humanity, part of the collective memory of Carnota.