Ocean Viking emails ITMRCC and Tripoli JRCC expressing its intention to proceed to POS at the earliest possible, referring to its indisputable legal obligation under International Law, to render assistance to people in distress at sea.

Considering the all ship mayday relay issued, Ocean Viking’s proximity to the distress case, the lack of other capable assets in the area and the risk for imminent and grave danger or loss of life at sea, Ocean Viking is proceeding to the distress case to render assistance. Ocean Viking understands not proceeding with all possible speed to the assistance of these persons in distress, while being only 30NM away and in a position to render such assistance and not having positive information on them being safely recovered by another capable asset, may amount to breach of the legal obligation to render assistance to persons in distress at sea. Ocean Viking will consider to be released from the obligation to render assistance when receiving positive information on these persons in distress being safely recovered by another capable asset. The intention of this vessel is to then resume sea passage to the already assigned POS. This diversion will only add 30 NM to the route.