In late June, Sea Shepherd’s vessel M/Y Sam Simon intercepted an illegal driftnet in the waters around the Aeolian Island of Alicudi. After confirming the discovery with the ship’s small boats, they contacted the Coast Guard, who immediately sent their patrol vessel CP276 of Catania’s Marine Authority, with national fisheries inspectors on board. They verified the illegality of the 5km-long driftnet -- due to its 20 cm mash size -- and proceeded with its confiscation. As the driftnet was pulled onboard, 40 animals were found trapped in the mesh, including two sharks. One 3m-long blue shark was still alive and successfully released back into the sea.