Read the whole report about this operation here.

Read the whole report about this operation here

Ocean Viking sends a request for a Place of Safety to ITMRCC, with MTRCC, JRCC Tripoli and the Norwegian Maritime Authority in copy:

“MV Ocean Viking has requested to the competent authorities of the Libyan SRR and Maltese SRR the indication of a Place of Safety (as required by the Annex to the 1979 SAR Convention, paragraph 1.3.2, and by the IMO Resolution MSC.167(78)) which fulfils all requirements under applicable international law, where the survivors can be safely and promptly disembarked.
However, the Libyan RCC and Maltese RCC have been unresponsive to such requests.
Therefore, MV Ocean Viking is now addressing your MRCC to request assistance in identifying a Place of Safety and facilitate a prompt disembarkation of all survivors on board.
While the 234 survivors on board MV Ocean Viking were rescued in a sea area that is outside of the SRR of Italy, please note that MV Ocean Viking has already exhausted the steps in relation to the competent authorities of the Libyan and Maltese SRRs.
MV Ocean Viking is waiting for further instructions.
Best regards
Bridge
Ocean Viking”

Ocean Viking sends a request for a Place of Safety to MTRCC and JRCC Tripoli, with ITMRCC and the Norwegian Maritime Authority in copy:

“MV Ocean Viking is requesting your Rescue Coordination Centers, as competent authorities of the SRRs where the SAR operations were conducted, to coordinate in identifying a Place of Safety (as required by the Annex to the 1979 SAR Convention, paragraph 1.3.2, and by the IMO Resolution MSC.167(78)) which fulfils all requirements under applicable international law, where the survivors can be safely and promptly disembarked.”

Ocean Viking in position 34 23 N 012 59 E

Ocean Viking sends the MIR report and a request for a Place of Safety to MTRCC, with ITMRCC, JRCC Tripoli, and the Norwegian Maritime Authority in copy:

“Please note that in the course of a SAR operation conducted yesterday (22 10 2022) in the Libyan SRR, MV Ocean Viking had recovered 34 survivors (see attached MIR).

We are requesting the indication of a Place of Safety (as defined in the Annex to the 1979 SAR Convention, paragraph 1.3.2 and in the International Maritime Organization 2004 Rescue Guidelines) to promptly disembark all 73 survivors who are currently on-board.

Please acknowledge receipt of this message.

Best regards

Bridge

Ocean Viking“

“Dear Sirs/Madams,

Please be informed that, at 1035 UTC in position 34 24 N 012 50 E, MV Ocean Viking completed the rescue operation of the boat in distress. 40 (number to be confirmed) shipwrecked persons have been safely brought on board MV Ocean Viking.

The breakdown of the survivors and complete information will follow in Maritime Incident Report.

Please acknowledge receipt of this message.

Best regards

Bridge

Ocean Viking“

Ocean Viking in position 33 40 N 012 07 E

Ocean Viking in position 33 28 N 012 33 E

Location: 35 32 N 015 13 E

Location: 36 53 N 015 34 E

Read the whole report about this operation here.

Read the whole report about this operation here. 

Ocean Viking is 30 NM away from the helicopter’s position. She alters course to investigate further.

Location : 33 27 N 014 00 E

Read the whole report about this operation here. 

All three Rhibs are in the water.

All three Rhibs are in the water.

Ocean Viking position: 37 06.0 N 015 35.8 E

Ocean Viking position: 37 06.9 N 015 35.0 E

Ocean Viking position: 37 15.5 N 015 35.3 E

Read the whole report about this operation here.

Read the whole report about this operation here.

Ocean Viking stops in position 36°09.77′ N / 15°10.61′ E to launch RHIBs to perform drills.

Ocean Viking stops in position 40 18.6’N 014 10.8’E to perform drills at sea. RHIBs Easy 1, Easy 2 and Easy 3 are launched.

2 persons were medically evacuated from the Ocean Viking by the Italian coastguard with 4 family members. They both had chronic conditions and needed urgent onshore medical care.

Ocean Viking stops in position 35 51.8’N 013 17.0’E to launch RHIBs to perform night drills at sea.

Ocean Viking stops in position 39 46.8’N 010 49.7’E to launch RHIBs to perform drills at sea.

Ocean Viking stops in position 41 36.0’N 007 51.0’E to launch RHIBs to perform drills at sea.

Ocean Viking stops in position 41 35.5’N 007 52.2′ E to launch RHIBs to perform drills at sea.

Ocean Viking stops in position 36 51.7’N 015 35’E to launch RHIBs to perform drills at sea.

Ocean Viking provides an update on the medical situation of the survivors onboard.

Among some survivors the medical and care team observes an increase of psychological distress. The heat and the lack of space is worsening the condition among all survivors and tensions arise. The situation is aggravating by hour.

The email is sent by Colibri2 (Pilotes Volontaires) to ITMRCC, LYJRCC and MTRCC with Ocean Viking, Sea-Watch Airborne and Alarm Phone in copy.

Reported distress position: 34°04’N / 11°32’E

Ocean Viking position: 34 15.6 N 012 17.7 E

OV position: 34 16.1’N 012 28.2’E (in the Libyan Search and Rescue Region)

Reported distress position: 34 14N 01154E

Ocean Viking stops in position 40 42.58’N 010 22.56’E to launch RHIBs to perform drills at sea.

Ocean Viking stops in position 41 44.2’N 008 02.5’E to launch RHIBs to perform drills at sea.

Ocean Viking is in position 34°00,5’N 014°42,0’E.

At 10:00, the Ocean Viking stops in position 34°01,2’N 014°40,0’E to conduct drills at sea. RHIBs Easy 1 and Easy 2 are launched for rescue procedure exercises.

At 15:40, in position 33°25,6’N 012°23,2’E, Ocean Viking stops to conduct a drill. RHIBs Easy 1, Easy 2 and Easy 3 are launched in the water for rescue procedure exercises.

At 20:05, in position 39°42,5’N 010°05,4’E, Ocean Viking stops to conduct a night drill. RHIBs Easy 1 and Easy 2 are launched in the water for rescue procedure exercises.

At 13:50, in position 40°18,0’N 010°03,6’E, Ocean Viking stops to conduct a drill. RHIBs Easy 1, Easy 2, Easy 3 and Ocean Viking’s SOLAS FRC (Fast Rescue Craft) are launched in the water for rescue procedure exercises.

At 13:55, in position 40°16,5’N 010°16,8’E, Ocean Viking stops to conduct a drill. RHIBs Easy 1, Easy 2 and Easy 3 are launched in the water for rescue procedure exercises.

Ocean Viking position: 33 32.7N 014 05.5E

The repairs needed on a RHIB were successfully made during the day. The Ocean Viking resumes her transit towards the central Mediterranean.

Ocean Viking is at anchorage position 40°58.6N 009°36.3E for necessary repairs to be made on a RHIB onshore.

Ocean Viking stops in position 42°03.1’N 009°46.3’E. RHIBs are launched for rescue procedure exercises.

Ocean Viking stops in position 42°41.2N 009°44.8 to conduct drills.

All 3 RHIBs are launched for rescue procedure exercises

Read the whole report about this operation here

The Ocean Viking stops to conduct drills at sea. The three RHIBs are launched.

The Ocean Viking stops to conduct drills at sea about 47 NM West Sardinia (IT). The three RHIBs are launched.

The Ocean Viking stops to conduct drills at sea about 30 NM SSW Toulon (FR). The two RHIBs are launched.

The Ocean Viking stops to conduct a drill at sea. The two RHIBs are launched.

The Ocean Viking is underway and sailing at a speed of 10 knots.

• Position at 18:00: 38° 00,6′ N 009° 52,2′ E
• Wind: 12 knots
• Waves: 0.6 meters

Wind: S 3 knots – Sea State: 2

39°05.0’N 007°47.4’E

Wind: E 2 knots – Sea State: 2

42°10.9’N 005°49.6’E

Wind: SE 4 knots – Sea State: 3

Noon position: 41° 30.2′N 008°30.2′E

Wind: SW beaufort 3/4

Sea state 2/3

Noon position: 40° 10.3′N 012°36.2′E

Wind: SSW beaufort 2/3

Sea state 2

Noon position: 37° 50.0′N 016°03.9′E

Wind: E beaufort 2

Sea state 2

Noon position: 36°24.3′N 014°07.0′E

Wind: SE beaufort 3

Sea state 3

From 10:20, in position 38°27,2’N 013°23,2’E, Ocean Viking (OV) stops to conduct drills. RHIB s are launched for rescue procedure exercises

Wind: S beaufort  2/3

Sea state 2

At 17:15 drills are completed

Noon position: 37°38.5′N 011°48.2′E

Wind: N beaufort  5

Sea state 4

Noon position: 35° 41,7′ N 015° 27,2′ E

Wind: 7 knots NNW

Waves: 0.7 meters

Ocean Viking after bunkering operations, leaves Messina port towards Marseille

Ocean Viking in position 37°16.4’N 011°19.8’E alters course to SSE heading towards the Libyan Search and Rescue Region

Easy 2 and Easy 3 are launched for practice rescue training

Ocean Viking leaves the port of Barcelona after bunkering operation and is heading to the Central Mediterranean Sea

Ocean Viking arrives in Barcelona for refueling.

Ocean Viking leaves the port of Marseille

At a speed of 10 knots, Ocean Viking is sailing along the western coast of Sardinia, currently in position 40°44.8′N, 006°34.8′E.

• Wind: 10 knots
• Waves: 0.3 meters
• Sea state: 2

At a speed of 10 knots, Ocean Viking is sailing through the Strait of Sicily, between Tunisia and Italy. She is currently in position 37°20.5′N, 011°31.2′E

• Wind: 3 knots
• Swell: 0.3 meter
• Sea state : 1

Both crew are well but the medical team onboard requested medical evacuation in case their conditions worsened during the transit

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.

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

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

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 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.

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

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

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