Ocean Viking sends an email to MTRCC, with ITMRCC in copy, to inform that it is ascertained that the distress phase exists and that Ocean Viking will proceed to the assistance of these persons in distress.

Ocean Viking in position 35 20 N 014 49 E informs that she launched 2 RHIBs to assess the 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. Ocean Viking reports that she will proceed to the assistance of these persons in distress and rescue them without delay, while keeping competent RCCs duly informed as:

“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

Relevant shipboard safety and environmental elements have been assessed and it is ascertained MV Ocean Viking has the capacity to recover all of these persons without creating serious danger to the ship and the persons thereon, in line with the provisions of Art. 98 of the UNCLOS Convention. Also, not any risk of pollution will result.”