Subject: MV Ocean Viking request Place of Safety
Dear Sirs,
As you are aware MV Ocean Viking conducted 4 rescue operations in the Libyan SRR
- Rubber boat rescue, Jan 21st : 119 pax
- 2 Rubber boats rescue, Jan 22nd (am) : 149 pax
- Rubber boat rescue, Jan 22nd (pm) : 104 pax
The 372 rescued people on board the Ocean Viking include at least 1 eight months pregnant woman, 19 babies between 0 and 4 years old, 26 children between 5 and 15 years old and 30 single females travelers.
Maritime Incident report for the latest rescue operation and complete breakdown is still to be sent shortly.
We would kindly request your assistance in finding a Place of Safety and facilitate a prompt disembarkation of all 372 survivors.
We understand that the 372 survivors on board MV Ocean Viking were rescued in a sea area that is outside of the SRRs of Italy and Malta, hence not under primary responsibility of IT MRCC and RCC Malta. However, please note that Ocean Viking has already exhausted the steps in relation to the competent authorities of the Libyan SRR, without any answer.
While waiting for further instructions from you or those RCC you would consider able to assist, due to worsening conditions in the next days of the weather forecast, Ocean Viking is heading north.
Ocean Viking at 1940Z is in position 33 24.4N 0121 13.6E COG8.8 SOG 007
Please acknowledge receipt of this message.