Ocean Viking launches 2 RHIBs to assess the situation. It is ascertained that the distress phase exists as the persons on board are threatened by grave and imminent danger of being lost and require immediate assistance.

Ocean Viking in position 35 20 N 014 49 E assesses the distress situation: the white fiberglass boat is unseaworthy, overcrowded, with about 30 people on board seeking assistance without lifejackets nor lifesaving appliances, all persons exposed to the elements. This is a case of force majeure (ref.SOLAS Art. IV) imposing to retrieve persons in danger of being lost at sea, as stipulated by the relevant International Maritime Conventions.