Ocean Viking sends an email to ITMRCC and MTJRCC, copying LYJRCC and EUNAVFOR Med, to inform about the possibility of a medical evacuation request in the future

• Wind: 7 knots
• Swell: 0.5 meter
• Sea state: 2

• Wind: 10 knots
• Swell: 0.5 meter
• Sea state: 2

Ocean Viking sends an email to ITMRCC and MTJRCC, copying LYJRCC and EUNAVFOR Med, to inform about the possibility of a medical evacuation request in the future

Ocean Viking is in standby at position 36°08.4’N, 013°23.9’E

• Wind: 10 knots
• Swell: 1 meter
• Sea state: 3

Ocean Viking is in standby at position 36°13.5′ N, 013°22.3’E

• Wind: 15 knots
• Swell: 1.5 meters
• Sea state: 3

Ocean Viking is in position 35°25.4’N, 013°42.3 E sailing at a speed of 3 knots.

• Wind: 33 knots
• Swell: 4 meters
• Sea State: 5

EUNAVFOR Med informs Ocean Viking about today LCG interceptions in the area of interest. EUNAVFOR Med also informs Ocean Viking that EU patrol aircrafts did not spot any rubber boat in this area after the interceptions operated by LCG during the day

Ocean Viking sends email to LYJRCC, copying ITMRCC, MTJRCC and EUNAVFOR Med to inform about the potential distress case and to request further instruction from authorities

The person on the phone says they are 50 persons including 3 children in a rubber boat at sea. The incomplete position shared by telephone is roughly 100 NM away from our position

Ocean Viking is looking for the potential second rubber boat that left Libya 2 days ago, while requesting a port of safety.

Ocean Viking sends email to LYJRCC, copying ITMRCC, MTJRCC and EUNAVFOR Med

Ocean Viking will recover the dead body if possible but the vessel is restarting search for possible rubber boat in distress to the East of the current location. Ocean Viking currently at 60 NM from the reported casualty.

Ocean Viking receives information from survivors onboard the vessel, rescued today, about another possible rubber boat that might have left Libya shore on Sunday night. Ocean Viking is heading towards the area to investigate

EU patrol aircraft informs that a Maltese helicopter is taking care of the rubber boat in distres in the Maltese SRR

Ocean Viking sends email to LYJRCC, copying ITMRCC, MTJRCC and EUNAVFOR Med

Ocean Viking also informs RCC Malta that Ocean Viking is heading towards the position of the potential boat in distress and has a medical team on board

ITCG says that the case is in the Maltese SRR and suggests to call the Maltese authorities.

MTJRCC replies to a Place of Safety request addressed to the ITMRCC and MTJRCC considering MTJRCC is not the competent authority to assign a Place of Safety to Ocean Viking.

Ocean Viking at position 33°32’N 013°48’E

3 additional life rafts in the water to recover people in and stabilise the situation during the rescue operation

Ocean Viking sends email to LYJRCC, copying ITMRCC and MTJRCC and EUNAVFOR Med

Distribution of lifejackets ongoing

Ocean Viking sends email to LYJRCC, copying ITMRCC and MTJRCC and EUNAVFOR Med informing about a distress case requiring immediate assistance

Ocean Viking informs ITCG about a rubber boat in distress at position 33°27’N 013°50’E. Ocean Viking requests support from ITCG to contact LYJRCC.

Ocean Viking is heading towards a potential boat in distress in the Maltese SRR. Ocean Viking has a visual contact with another rubber boat potentially in distress at position 33°26.6’N 013°51.5’E

Ocean Viking requests place of safety to ITMRCC and RCC Malta

“Dear Sir,

As communicated earlier, Ocean Viking conducted a rescue of 85 people in distress on the morning of the 9th August 2019.  Further rescues have been completed, on 10th and 11th August, with 85 and 81 people in distress rescued respectively. The total number of rescued people now onboard the Ocean Viking is 251, including 74 minors and 4 women. All rescues took place in international waters, in the SAR zone of Libya, in the strictest adherence to the UNCLOS, SOLAS and SAR conventions. On the 9th August at 12:38, JRCC Tripoli communicates Tripoli as a Place of Safety for the first SAR case and disembarkation of 85 survivors. Ocean Viking responded on the 10th August 00:11 that Libyan ports cannot be considered as a place of safety and requested an alternative POS to disembark survivors onboard. No response has been received so far. Ocean Viking reiterated a request of place of safety following the 2nd and the 3RD rescue allowing to disembark safely the 251 survivors onboard the vessel on the 9th and 10th August. No response has been received as of today 11th August 11am. In accordance with international maritime conventions and regulations, (IMO Resolution MSC.167 (78): “in a case where the RCC responsible for the area where the survivors are recovered cannot be contacted, attempt to contact another RCC, or if that is impractical, any other Government authority that may be able to assist, while recognizing that responsibility still rests with the RCC of the area in which the survivors are recovered”), we are now formally requesting Maltese and Italian maritime authorities, as the RCCs most able to assist, to take coordination and support finding a place of safety that fulfils the criteria set by Maritime and International Law to disembark safely the 251 survivors on board the vessel. I thanks you in advance for your kind collaboration and assistance. Please acknowledge receipt of this message. Thanks and Regards “

ITCG are informed about the boat in distress that is currently in the maltese SRR. ITCG says they are going to inform RCC Malta about the distress case.

ITMRCC says they will investigate and call back if assistance is needed

” Dear Sir,

Your correspondence below is well acknowledged.

Thank you for considering the possibility of Ocean Viking entering Italian territorial waters without authorization but be informed that this vessel has not altered her course towards Italy, that no request has been made to enter Italian territorial waters and that it is not my intention to do so without cause, instruction or proper authorization.

As you rightly mention, this vessel conducted a rescue of 85 people in distress on the morning of the 9^th August 2019.  Further rescues have since been completed, on 10^th and 11^th August, with 85 and 81 people in distress rescued respectively. The total number of rescued people now onboard the Ocean Viking is 251. All rescues took place in international waters, in the SAR zone of Libya, in the strictest adherence to the UNCLOS, SOLAS and SAR conventions.

This vessel has already requested the relevant maritime authorities to designate a Place of Safety, that fulfils the criteria set by Maritime and International Law.

I thanks you in advance for your kind collaboration and assistance in this process.

Yours sincerely”

Ocean Viking sends an email to the LYJRCC, copying ITMRCC and MTJRCC informing that SAR operation is completed.

Ocean Viking sends email to LYJRCC, copying ITMRCC and MTJRCC and EUNAVFOR Med informing about the rescue ongoing.

Distribution of life jackets is ongoing.

Ocean Viking sends email to LYJRCC, copying ITMRCC, MTJRCC and EUNAVFOR Med informing about a distress case requiring immediate assistance.

Ocean Viking launches 2 RHIBs at sea to proceed to assessment of the boat in distress and potential rescue, at position 33°27.5’N, 013°51.5’E.

Ocean Viking has a first visual contact when at position 33°27.05’N, 013°53.14’E

Ocean viking is in position 33°28.8’N 014°14.4’E sailing at a speed of 3 knots.

Ocean Viking sends email to LYJRCC, copying ITMRCC, MTJRCC and EUNAVFOR Med informing about rescue completion and another potential target approximate position 33°35’N, 014°15’E. Ocean Viking informs about her new course toward this position.

Distribution of life jackets is ongoing.

Ocean Viking sends email to LYJRCC, copying ITMRCC and MTJRCC and EUNAVFOR Med informing about a distress case requiring immediate assistance.

Ocean Viking informs LYJRCC by email, with ITMRCC, MTJRCC and EUNAVFOR Med in CC, that it cannot proceed to disembarkation in Tripoli due to Libyan ports not conforming to the definition of places of safety.

Dear Sir, We acknowledge receipt of your request to proceed to Libya to disembark the 85 survivors of the SAR Case of Ocean Viking on the 9^th of August. As you know, under the International Convention on maritime search and rescue to which Libya is a state party, a rescue is only considered as completed once rescued people have been disembarked in a place of safety (As define in the Annex to the 1979 SAR Convention, paragraph 1.3.2 and in the International Maritime Organization 2004 Rescue Guidelines). It is within this framework that the European Commission and United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees issued clear positions stating that currently Libya does not meet the criteria for being designated as a place of safety for the purpose of disembarkation following rescue at sea (https://www.refworld.org/docid/5b8d02314.html. I understand that among the survivors on board there are people, including women, children and unaccompanied minors, who say that if returned to Libya, they would be in danger of being subjected to severe abuses. In light of this clear guidance and international law provisions, we are not in a position to head towards a Libyan port which cannot be considered as a place of safety for rescued people. I respectfully request that as the JRCC coordinating, that you please provide with the indication of a Place of Safety, which fulfils all requirements under all applicable international laws, where the survivors can be safely and promptly disembarked. Please acknowledge receipt of this message”

In response to Ocean Viking email sent the 8th of August at 23h48 informing LYJRCC about rescue completion with no mention or request of Place of Safety, LYJRCC sends an email to Ocean Viking communicating Tripoli as a Place of Safety.

“Dear Sir, Referring to your last e-mail (“Rescue complete Ocean Viking” time 11:49LT) Libyan Navy Coast Guard communicate the POS TRIPOLI. Please contact Head of Lybian Port Authority in order to go to TRIPOLI harbour as Place Of Safety. Please, acknowledge this message. Very Respectfully”

Ocean Viking sends an email to the LYJRCC, copying ITMRCC and MTJRCC informing that SAR operation is completed.

2 RHIB launched at sea to provide assistance with rescuers and medical team onboard. All team ready on deck to take in charge the survivors. Mass floating devices ready on deck in case of emergency.

Ocean Viking sends email to Libyan JRCC, copying Italian MRCC and Maltese MRCC, informing about a distress case requiring immediate assistance.

Ocean Viking informs that LYJRCC does not respond to the call by VHF or telephone

• Ocean Viking calls LYJRCC by satellite phone at 23:30 and 23h50 and receives no answer.
• Ocean Viking calls LYJRCC by VHF at 23:06 and 23:41 and receives no answer.

Ocean Viking receives a second email from the NGO Alarm Phone, informing ITMRCC and MTJRCC of a possible alternative position of the boat in distress mentioned in the previous communication. Ocean Viking is in copy again.

Ocean Viking contacts ITMRCC informing about potential boat in distress and LYJRCC non-response

Ocean Viking receives an email from the NGO AlarmPhone, informing both ITMRCC and the MTJRCC about a distress case. Ocean Viking is CCed by Alarmphone to this email as according to them, Ocean Viking is the closest asset.

Upon entering the Libyan Search and Rescue Region, Ocean Viking sends a notice to the Libyan JRCC, informing of the vessel’s readiness to conduct SAR operations. Italian MRCC, Maltese MRCC and EUNAVFOR Med are also informed. Ocean Viking additionally provides the vessel’s technical specification.

” MV Ocean Viking declares readiness for SAR operations in the Central Mediterranean Sea, South of Lampedusa and Malta, outside of Libyan Territorial Waters.    

Actual position: 34-12.7N 013-03.0E     

Proceeding with course 198, speed 8.3 kts towards patrol area ca. 25 NM off Libyan coast, remaining in international water at all times “

Ocean Viking is in position 34°26.6’N, 013°08.4 E sailing at a speed of 8 knots.

• Wind: 15 knots
• Swell: 1 meter
• Sea State: 4

RHIBs Easy 1, Easy 2 and Easy 3 are launched off starboard and port side of the ship. Bananas are deployed for practice exercices.

Ocean Viking is in position 36°52,8′ N, 012°59,2’E sailing at a speed of 10 knots.

• Wind: 20 knots
• Swell: 0.5 meters
• Sea State: 3

• Ocean Viking is in position 38°38.2′ N, 008°02.1’E sailing at a speed of 9,5 knots.
• Wind: 12 knots
• Swell: 2 meters
• Sea State: 4

• Distress call received via VHF
• Ocean Viking altered course towards vessel position
• Ocean Viking contacted FR MRCC via SatPhone
• VHF Contact with the vessel that informs the vessel is no longer in need of assistance
• Ocean Viking called FR MRCC via sat phone to update them on the situation
• Ocean Viking resumed course at 20h55

Ocean Viking is in position 41°06.3′ N, 006°21.6′ E , sailing at a speed of 9.8 knots.

• Wind: 5 knots
• Swell: 0.3 meter
• Sea state: 2

Ocean Viking leaves the port of Marseille and is heading towards the South of Sardinia.

The Aquarius is being demobilised to be returned in its initial state to its owner Jasmund Shipping. Specific material that was added to the Aquarius is being stored in order to be reused on the next ship.

Aquarius is heading north towards Marseille at a speed of 8.4 knots. Current position is 41°22.12 N, 010°01.95 E

• Waves: 1.5 metres
• Sea state: 3
• Wind: 15 knots

Colibri calls Aquarius on VHF channel 16 informing of the end of their patrol

Aquarius is currently patrolling in international waters, in the Libyan Search and Rescue Region north of Sabratah and heading towards the west. Aquarius’ speed is of 8 knots and its position is 33°15’85 N, 012°25’26 E.

• Course over Ground (COG): 291°
• Wind: 10 knots
• Waves: 0.8 metre
• Sea Scale: 2

Airplane Colibri calls Aquarius by radio to inform of the end of their patrol. Aquarius’ position is 33°21’6 N, 012°12’9 E.

Aquarius is patrolling in international waters north of Abu Kammash at a speed of 4 knots, approximately 24 nautical miles from the coast of Libya. Current position is 33°29.90’ N, 11°51.94’ E.

• Course over ground (COG): 103°
• Wind: 5-10 knots
• Waves: 1 meter
• Sea state: 2

Colibri calls Aquarius via radio to inform they will be proceeding East of Aquarius’ position for their patrol. Aquarius’ position is 33°29.5820′ N 11°53.4730′ E.

Easy 1, Easy 2 and Easy 3 recovered, Aquarius resumes its voyage towards the patrol area, ca. 30 NM off the Libyan coast.

Aquarius halts navigation at position 34°07.11 N, 12°11.93 E. RHIBs Easy 1, Easy 2 and Easy 3 are launched and mass flotation devices are used in a practice rescue operation.

Upon entering the Libyan Search and Rescue Region, Aquarius sends a notice to the Libyan JRCC, informing of the vessel’s readiness to conduct SAR operations. Italian MRCC, Maltese MRCC, Tunisian MRCC and EUNAVFOR Med are also informed. Aquarius additionally provides the vessel’s technical specifications.

“MV AQUARIUS declares readiness for SAR operations in the Central Mediterranean Sea, south of Lampedusa and Malta, outside of Libyan Territorial Waters.

Actual position: 34-13.0N 012-10.6

Proceeding with course 170 speed 10.7 kts towards patrol area ca. 25 NM off Libyan coast between Long. of Zuwarah and Zawiya”

Aquarius enters the Libyan Search and Rescue Region (SRR), in international waters. Aquarius’ current position is 34°20.4930′ N, 12°09.0280′ E.

On 27^th June 2018, coordinates of the Libyan JRCC were uploaded on the GISIS, thereby legitimizing the coordination of rescues by this JRCC in the Libyan SRR.

From now on, according to the global SAR plan and the SAR Convention, any SAR case is under the responsibility of the Libyan Joint Rescue Coordination Center (JRCC).

The responsibilities of a Rescue Coordination Centre (RCC) are:

• To coordinate rescues on a 24-hour basis;
• To provide a place of safety for survivors or ensure that such a place of safety is provided;
• To arrange disembarkation as soon as reasonably practicable.

According to Maritime conventions and resolutions,

• Upon the declaration of a distress phase, a RCC shall initiate “search and rescue operations when the position of the search object is unknown” (SAR Convention, art. 4.5.4).
• As soon as the RCC responsible for a SRR in which assistance is needed is informed about a distress situation, it “should immediately accept responsibility for coordinating the rescue efforts” (MSC.167(78), art 6.7).
• RCCs “should be prepared to act quickly on their own, or have processes in place, as necessary, to involve other authorities, so that timely decisions can be reached with regard to handling of survivors” (MSC.167(78), art 6.4).
• A RCC “should make every effort to minimize the time survivors remain on board the assisting ship” (MSC.167(78), art 6.8).
• A RCC “shall have available up-to-date information especially concerning search and rescue facilities and available communications relevant to search and rescue operations in its area” (SAR Convention, art 4.2.1).

Aquarius receives call from Colibri. Colibri requests Aquarius’ position, course and speed.

Aquarius is sailing towards the strait of Sicily at a speed of 10.8 knots. Aquarius’ current position is 38°04.7′ N, 9°39.79 E.

• Course over Ground (COG): 119
• Wind: 10 knots
• Waves: 1 meter
• Swell: 1.2
• Sea State: 3

Aquarius goes to three engines, increasing speed to arrive as fast as possible in the Libyan SRR.

Aquarius stops at position 40°33.70 N, 6°59.82 E to conduct drills at sea. RHIBs Easy 1 and Easy 2 are launched off starboard side of the ship. Bananas and rafts are deployed for practice exercices.

.

Aquarius is currently sailing off the western coast of Sardinia, heading south at a speed of 9.6 knots. Current position is 41°05.26′ N, 006°40.00′ E.

Course: 155°

Wind: 5-10 knots

Swell: 0.5

Sea State: 2

Aquarius leaves the port of Marseille after an extended port call.

The survey has been completed, leading Aquarius to set sail in fulfillment of Panama’s regulation requirements. The official name of Aquarius is now “Aquarius 2” as “Aquarius” was already taken in the Panama register.

At a speed of 9 knots, Aquarius is on its way to Marseille, currently in position 42°35.7′ N, 005°42.6′ E.

• Course : 333°
• Wind: 10-15 knots
• Swell: 2.5 meters
• Sea state: 4

At a speed of 6.5 knots, Aquarius is sailing along the western coast of Sardinia, currently in position 40°00.5′ N, 007°22.9′ E.

• Course : 335°
• Wind: 20-25 knots
• Waves: 3.5 meters
• Sea state: 5-6

SAR Operations > Tunisian Navy boat (2018.08.09-15)

At a speed of 10 knots, Aquarius is sailing through the Strait of Sicily, between Tunisia and Italy. It is currently in position 37°23.3′ N, 011°21.9′ E.

• Course : 299°
• Wind: 10 knots
• Swell: 1.5 meters
• Sea state: 3

The inspection of Aquarius is made in accordance with the Paris and Mediterranean Memoranda of Understanding on Port State Control.

SAR Operations > Malta (2018.08.09-15)

Aquarius resumed navigation at 17h05. It is now patrolling at 24 nautical miles from the Libyan coast at a speed of 4 knots. Current position is 33°28.9′ N, 011°.54.9′ E

• Course over ground (COG): 121°
• Wind: 14 knots
• Swell: 0.5 meter
• Sea state: 2

Aquarius is approached at 50-60 meters distance by a speedboat coming alongside the Aquarius. There are 4 individuals on board, not wearing a uniform. They wave towards the Aquarius. The speedboat passes the bow, turns around and sails further away, next to a fishing vessel, where it remains for around 15 minutes.

[UTC time}

Colibri flies over the area patrolled by Aquarius. It then informs Aquarius via VHF that it is leaving the patrolling area without information about boats in distress.

Colibri airplane calls Aquarius on satellite phone to inform that it will soon take off and conduct an aerial search over the zone West of Tripoli. Aquarius provides present position and informs of good weather conditions.

Aquarius stops engine to conduct an exercise with two RHIB, Easy 2 and Easy 3.

Through the binoculars, teams onboard Aquarius spot a potential target. Aquarius starts running second engine to increase speed and investigate it. The target is eventually identified as a fishing vessel.

Aquarius is patrolling in the international waters West of Tripoli at a speed of 4 knots, at 25 nautical miles from the coast of Libya. Current position is 33°21.6′ N, 012°12.8′ E.

• Course over ground (COG): 123°
• Wind: 4 knots
• Swell: 1 meter
• Sea state: 2

Aquarius is patrolling in the international waters West of Tripoli at a speed of 3 knots, at 25 nautical miles from the coast of Libya. Current position is 33°21.5′ N, 012°13.3′ E, North of Zuwarah.

• Course over ground (COG): 125°
• Wind: 13 knots
• Swell: 2 meters
• Sea state: 4

Aquarius receives a phone call from Colibri, asking for an update from Aquarius. Colibri informs that it will take off soon, flying first in the area West of Tripoli and thereafter East of Tripoli. Aquarius provides current position.

Aquarius is patrolling in the international waters West of Tripoli at a speed of 3,2 knots, at 25 nautical miles from the coast of Libya. Current position is 33°21.7′ N, 012°12.5′ E.

• Course over ground (COG): 130°
• Wind: 16-18 knots
• Waves: 1.5 meters
• Sea state: 3-4

Aquarius is patrolling in the international waters West of Tripoli at a speed of 4,3 knots, at 25 nautical miles from the coast of Libya. Current position is 33°25.8′ N, 012°04.3′ E.

• Course over ground (COG): 300°
• Wind: 15 knots
• Waves: 1.2 meters
• Sea state: 3

Upon entering the Libyan Search and Rescue Region, Aquarius sends a “notice of readiness for SAR operations” to the Libyan JRCC, copying the Italian MRCC, the Maltese MRCC and EUNAVFOR Med.

“MV AQUARIUS declares readiness for SAR operations in the Central Mediterranean Sea, south of Lampedusa and Malta, outside of Libyan Territorial Waters.

Actual position: N 34-08.1  E 012-13.1

Proceeding with course 174 degrees speed 9,5 kts towards patrolling area ca. 30 NM(night) 24nm(day) off Libyan coast between Long. of Zuwarah and Zawiya.“

Aquarius also provides the required technical information about the vessel.

Aquarius enters the Libyan Search and Rescue Region (SRR), in international waters.

From now on, according to the global SAR plan and the SAR Convention, any SAR case is under the responsibility of the Libyan Joint Rescue Coordination Center (JRCC).

On 27^th June 2018, coordinates of the Libyan JRCC were uploaded on the GISIS, thereby legitimizing the coordination of rescues by this JRCC in the Libyan SRR.

The responsibilities of a Rescue Coordination Centre (RCC) are:

• To coordinate rescues on a 24-hour basis;
• To provide a place of safety for survivors or ensure that such a place of safety is provided;
• To arrange disembarkation as soon as reasonably practicable.

According to Maritime conventions and resolutions,

• Upon the declaration of a distress phase, a RCC shall initiate “search and rescue operations when the position of the search object is unknown” (SAR Convention, art. 4.5.4).
• As soon as the RCC responsible for a SRR in which assistance is needed is informed about a distress situation, it “should immediately accept responsibility for coordinating the rescue efforts” (MSC.167(78), art 6.7).
• RCCs “should be prepared to act quickly on their own, or have processes in place, as necessary, to involve other authorities, so that timely decisions can be reached with regard to handling of survivors” (MSC.167(78), art 6.4).
• A RCC “should make every effort to minimize the time survivors remain on board the assisting ship” (MSC.167(78), art 6.8).
• A RCC “shall have available up-to-date information especially concerning search and rescue facilities and available communications relevant to search and rescue operations in its area” (SAR Convention, art 4.2.1).

Aquarius stops to conduct a rescue simulation. Three RHIB and mass floation devices (rafts and bananas) are launched in the water. Navigation resumes at 18h25.

Aquarius stops sailing to conduct rescue drills, including familiarisation with mass floatation devices. Navigation is resumed at 12h25.

Aquarius is sailing along the coast of Tunisia at a speed of 10 knots, currently in position 35°21.3′ N, 011°58.7′ E.

Teams onboard start watching the sea from the bridge with binoculars to search for boats in distress.

• Course over ground (COG): 170°
• Wind: 10 knots
• Swell: 0.5
• Sea state: 2

Aquarius enters the zone where Italian and Maltese Search and Rescue Regions overlap, as declared in the Global SAR Plan.

Aquarius is sailing through the Strait of Sicily at a speed of 10 knots, currently in position 37°34.7′ N, 010°42.7′ E, North of Tunis. Mass floatation devices are inflated and ready for rescues.

• Course over ground (COG): 122°
• Wind: 5-10 knots
• Swell: 0.5
• Sea state: 2

After having called MRCC Tunis and MRCC Alger, Aquarius receives a phone call back from MRCC Alger, seeking to confirm that Aquarius heard Algerian Coast Guard broadcasting a position on VHF channel 16. Aquarius confirms the position heard from the Algerian Coast Guard. MRCC Alger informs of an ongoing search operation.

Aquarius informs of her position and availability to assist, being equiped with three rescue boats on board, a search and rescue team and medical staff. MRCC Alger confirms it will call Aquarius if any assistance is needed.

Aquarius hears a VHF call by the Algerian Coast Guard on channel 16 alerting a vessel in the area to a possible boat with migrants onboard in position 38°11.6′ N, 008°09’06, in the Algerian Search and Rescue Region.

Aquarius cannot hear if any information is given about the people on the boat nor its situation.

Aquarius is in position 41°19.4′ N, 006°37.1′ E, sailing at a speed of 9.8 knots.

• Wind: 5 knots
• Swell: 0.8 meters
• Sea state: 2

Aquarius leaves the port of Marseille, France, and starts heading towards the Capo Spartivento, at the southern tip of the island of Sardinia, Italy.

Aquarius shifts the berth from 110 to 66, for the installation of a 20 feet reefer container with a shore crane. The container will be used as a morgue if dead bodies are recovered at sea.

Aquarius is leaving the rescue zone and proceed to North for the technical portcall.

SAR Operations > Valencia (2018.06.09-17)