ONBOARD SOS MEDITERRANEE Activities and observations of our rescue ship in the Central Mediterranean

On June 27, Ocean Viking leaves the port of Marseille, France.

On July 1st, Ocean Viking rescues 44 persons from two wooden boats in distress, in two separate operations, in the Maltese Search and Rescue Region: 30 persons are rescued in the first operation; 14 persons in the second. Ocean Viking also spots an empty blue wooden boat adrift in the Maltese Search and Rescue Region.

On July 2nd, Ocean Viking searches for two wooden boats in distress in the Maltese Search and Rescue Region. Ocean Viking witnesses both empty boats set in fire following their interceptions by the Libyan Coast Guard.

On July 2nd, Ocean Viking requests a Place of Safety for the 44 survivors onboard.

On July 3rd, Ocean Viking rescues 21 persons from a fibreglass boat in distress in the Libyan Search and Rescue Region. Ocean Viking also spots two empty boats in the Libyan Search and Rescue Region. Seabird aircraft from Sea-Watch confirms that one has been intercepted by the Libyan Coast Guard. Ocean Viking investigates one of them, a double-deck wooden boat and finds personal belongings.

On July 4th, Ocean Viking performs two rescue operations in the Maltese Search and Rescue Region: 67 persons are rescued from a wooden boat in distress in the first operation; 71 others are also rescued from a wooden boat in distress in the second operation.

In the night of July 4th and 5th, Ocean Viking performs a rescue operation of a large wooden boat in distress in the Libyan Search and Rescue Region: 369 people, including 116 minors are safely brought onboard Ocean Viking in a 5h30-long operation.

On July 5th, Ocean Viking sends three requests for the designation of a Place of Safety for the 572 survivors onboard.

On July 6th, Ocean Viking sends a request for the designation of a Place of Safety for the 572 survivors onboard.

On July 7th, Ocean Viking sends a request for the designation of a Place of Safety for the 572 survivors onboard. A survivor in acute psychological distress jumps overboard the Ocean Viking and is recovered by our rescue team.

On July 8th, Ocean Viking sends two requests for the designation of a Place of Safety for the 572 survivors onboard. In the evening, Ocean Viking is designated Augusta, Sicily, as Place of Safety for all shipwrecked persons onboard.

On July 9th, the disembarkation process of the survivors starts. Ocean Viking is also being notified of a 10-day quarantine ordered by Italian health authorities.

On July 10th, the disembarkation process is complete. The Ocean Viking crew starts a 10-day quarantine.

On July 21st, Ocean Viking is granted free-pratique.

On July 24th, Ocean Viking leaves the port of Augusta, Italy, heading towards the central Mediterranean.

On July 31st, Ocean Viking rescues a total of 196 people in four rescue operations: 57 survivors are safely evacuated from a rubber boat in distress onto the Ocean Viking following the first rescue operation; 54 people are rescued from a rubber boat in distress in second rescue; 64 are rescued from a wooden boat in distress in a third rescue; and 21 people are rescued from a wooden boat in distress in a fourth rescue.

On August 1, Ocean Viking completes two rescue operations: a critical rescue of a large wooden boat in distress is performed in the night from July 31st and August 1 in coordination with two other SAR NGOs: Sea-Watch and ResQship. 253 people are safely brought onboard Ocean Viking. In the afternoon, Ocean Viking rescued 106 people from a wooden boat in distress. Following the latest operation, Ocean Viking sends an email to MTRCC, TNMRCC and LYJRCC (with ITMRCC in copy) requesting a Place of Safety for the 555 survivors onboard.

On August 2, Ocean Viking sends a request to ITMRCC (with MTRCC, LYJRCC and TNMRCC in copy) for assistance in finding a Place of Safety to facilitate a prompt disembarkation of all survivors on board.

On August 3, a female patient and her partner are medically evacuated from the Ocean Viking onto an Italian Coast Guard vessel. Ocean Viking sends a request to ITMRCC (with MTRCC, LYJRCC and TNMRCC in copy) requesting assistance in finding a Place of Safety and facilitate a prompt disembarkation of all remaining 553 survivors.

On August 4, Ocean Viking sends a request to ITMRCC (with MTRCC, LYJRCC and TNMRCC in copy) requesting assistance in finding a Place of Safety and facilitate a prompt disembarkation of all remaining 553 survivors.

On August 5, two female survivors and an 8 year-old child are medically evacuated from the Ocean Viking onto an Italian Coast Guard vessel.

On August 6, Ocean Viking sends a request to ITMRCC (with MTRCC, LYJRCC and TNMRCC in copy) requesting assistance in finding a Place of Safety and facilitate a prompt disembarkation of all remaining 550 survivors. A fourth patient is medically evacuated from the Ocean Viking onto an Italian Coast Guard vessel.

On August 7, Ocean Viking sends a request to ITMRCC (with MTRCC, LYJRCC and TNMRCC in copy) requesting assistance in finding a Place of Safety and facilitate a prompt disembarkation of all remaining 449 survivors. Ocean Viking receives the instructions to disembark the shipwrecked persons onboard in Pozzallo, Italy.

On August 8, Ocean Viking docks in Pozzallo, Italy. The disembarkation process starts. Ocean Viking is notified of a 10-day quarantine ordered by Italian health authorities, to start after the completion of the disembarkation process.

On August 11, the disembarkation of the 549 survivors onboard Ocean Viking in Pozzallo, Sicily, is complete. The process took four days.

On August 12, Ocean Viking starts a 10-day quarantine ordered by Italian health authorities.

On August 25, the Italian health authorities notified the Ocean Viking of a 10-day prolongation of the quarantine.

On September 3, Ocean Viking leaves the port of Pozzallo, Sicily.

 

 

Search

June 15, 2021
17:30

Ocean Viking leaves the shipyard in Naples, Italy, proceeding towards Marseille, France.

June 18, 2021
09:00

Ocean Viking moors in the port of Marseille, France.

June 27, 2021
19:26

Ocean Viking leaves the port of Marseille, France.

June 28, 2021
18:47

All RHIBs recovered. Ocean Viking resumes navigation.

June 29, 2021
16:30

All RHIBs recovered. Ocean Viking resumes navigation.

July 1, 2021
13:47

Ocean Viking informs JRCC Tripoli via email (in copy MT RCC and IT MRCC) of her proceeding towards the distress position.

15:42

Ocean Viking calls RCC MALTA seeking coordination and informs of the presence of the Libyan coastguard in Maltese SRR.

16:19

Ocean Viking calls MT RCC informing that LYCG patrol vessel has left the area.

16:22

Ocean Viking sends an email to MT RCC reiterating that LYCG patrol vessel has left the area and informing that Ocean Viking is going to proceed to the assistance of the boat in distress.

18:06

Ocean Viking completes the rescue of a wooden boat in distress: 30 survivors are safely brought onboard.

Latitude: 34.41733
Longitude: 12.03767
18:17

Ocean Viking informs MT RCC of the completion of the rescue by email (with LYJRCC and IT MRCC in copy).

19:03

Ocean Viking informs MTRCC of her proceeding towards the distress position by email (with ITMRCC in copy).

19:52

Ocean Viking informs MTRCC of her readiness to proceed to the assistance of the boat in distress by email (with ITMRCC in copy).

20:33

Ocean Viking completes the rescue of a wooden boat in distress: 14 survivors are safely brought onboard.

Latitude: 34.69167
Longitude: 012.015
July 2, 2021
18:00

Colibri2 (Pilotes Volontaires) informs Ocean Viking via VHF of the interception of the first distress case by the LYCG.

20:13

Ocean Viking sends a request for a Place of Safety for the 44 survivors rescued in the Maltese SRR via email to MTRCC (with ITRCC in copy).

July 3, 2021
01:03

In response to the Ocean Viking’s request for a Place of Safety, MTRCC sends an email to Ocean Viking denying responsibility for the rescues of the 44 survivors onboard.

14:36

Ocean Viking sends an email to LYJRCC (with MTRCC and ITMRCC in copy) informing that Seabird aircraft (Sea-Watch) reported the interception of the boat in distress by the Libyan Coast Guard.

20:01

Ocean Viking sends an email to LYJRCC (with ITMRCC and MTRCC in copy)informing that Ocean Viking is proceeding towards the distress position.

20:22

Ocean Viking sends an email to LYJRCC (with ITMRCC and MTRCC in copy) informing that Ocean Viking is launching rescue boats to investigate.

20:43

Ocean Viking informs via VHF the Tunisian Navy ship of the imminent rescue.

20:55

Ocean Viking completes the rescue of a fibreglass boat in distress in the Libyan Search and Rescue Region: 21 survivors are safely brought onboard.

Latitude: 34.133333
Longitude: 012.06
21:06

Ocean Viking informs by email LYJRCC (with ITMRCC and MTRCC in copy) of the completion of the rescue

July 4, 2021
02:46

Ocean Viking calls all Libyan phone numbers indicated on the Inmarsat text message. None answers.

04:26

Ocean Viking sends an email to LYJRCC, ITMRCC and MTRCC recapping events.

05:34

Ocean Viking sends an email to LYJRCC, ITMRCC and MTRCC informing that MTRCC confirmed by phone that the Inmarsat distress case is the same as the Alarm Phone one. Ocean Viking informs that has visual on the overcrowded wooden boat and is going to launch her Rhibs.

07:05

Ocean Viking completes the rescue of the wooden boat in the Maltese SRR: 67 survivors are safely brought onboard.

Latitude: 34.43333
Longitude: 012.41667
07:27

Ocean Viking sends an email to MTRCC (with ITMRCC and LYJRCC in copy) informing of the completion of the rescue.

10:47

Ocean Viking send an email to MTRCC (with ITMRCC in copy) alerting to the distress case and informing that she is proceeding towards the distress position.

14:53

Ocean Viking completes the rescue of a wooden boat in distress in the Maltese SRR: 71 people are safely brought onboard.

Latitude: 34.63833
Longitude: 012.81
15:02

Ocean Viking sends an email to MTRCC (with LYJRCC and ITMRCC in copy) informing of the rescue completion.

18:07

Ocean Viking sends an email to LYJRCC (with MTRCC, ITMRCC and Pilotes Volontaires in copy) informing that Ocean Viking is proceeding towards the distress position.

21:55

Ocean Viking sends an email to LYJRCC (with MTRCC, ITMRCC and Pilotes Volontaires in copy) informing that she has target on radar with speed and course corresponding to the distress case and will launch her Rhibs for further investigation.

July 5, 2021
03:23

Ocean Viking completes the rescue of a large wooden boat in distress in the Libyan Search and Rescue Region: 369 people are safely brought onboard.

Latitude: 34.13667
Longitude: 012.18167
10:11

Ocean Viking sends an email to LYJRCC (with MTRCC and ITMRCC in copy) informing of the completion of the rescue.

11:32

Ocean Viking sends an email to LYJRCC and MTRCC (with ITMRCC in copy) requesting a Place of Safety for the 572 survivors onboard.

14:39

Ocean Viking sends an email to ITMRCC (with MTRCC and LYJRCC in copy) requesting assistance for the designation of a Place of Safety.

July 6, 2021
13:41

Ocean Viking sends an email to ITMRCC (with MTRCC and LYJRCC in copy) requesting for assistance in finding a Place of Safety and facilitate a prompt disembarkation of all 572 survivors.

July 7, 2021
11:26

Ocean Viking sends a request for assistance in finding a Place of Safety for the 572 survivors onboard by email to ITMRCC (with MTRCC and LYJRCC in copy).

July 8, 2021
17:53

Ocean Viking sends an email to ITMRCC (with MTRCC and LYJRCC in copy) requesting for assistance in finding a Place of Safety and facilitate a prompt disembarkation of all 572 survivors

20:42

Ocean Viking receives via a phone call the instructions to disembark the 572 survivors in Augusta, Italy.

July 9, 2021
09:00

Ocean Viking is moored in the port of Augusta, Italy.

11:30

Disembarkation of survivors in the port of Augusta starts.

July 10, 2021
20:42

Disembarkation of all survivors in the port of Augusta, Italy, is over.

July 24, 2021
10:48

Ocean Viking leaves the port of Augusta, Sicily.

17:15

All RHIBs recovered. Ocean Viking resumes navigation.

July 25, 2021
17:57

Ocean Viking informs MTRCC via email of her altering course towards the reported distress position.

19:27

Ocean Viking calls MTRCC via Satellite phone seeking updated information on the open distress case. MTRCC has no new information.

21:23

Ocean Viking calls MTRCC via Satellite phone seeking coordination of the search operation. MTRCC does not answer the phone.

21:30

Ocean Viking calls MTRCC via Satellite phone seeking coordination of the search operation. MTRCC does not answer the phone.

21:33

Ocean Viking calls MTRCC via Satellite phone seeking coordination of the search operation. MTRCC does not answer the phone.

21:40

Ocean Viking calls MTRCC via Satellite phone seeking coordination of the search operation. MTRCC does not answer the phone.

21:58

Ocean Viking calls MTRCC via Satellite phone seeking coordination of the search operation. MTRCC does not answer the phone.

22:06

Ocean Viking sends an email to MTRCC informing that she has tried multiple times to reach them via Sat phone without success.

22:44

Ocean Viking calls MTRCC via Satellite phone seeking coordination of the search operation. MTRCC does not answer the phone.

22:48

Ocean Viking calls MTRCC via Satellite phone seeking coordination of the search operation. MTRCC does not answer the phone.

23:14

Ocean Viking calls MTRCC via Satellite phone seeking coordination of the search operation. MTRCC does not answer the phone.

23:17

Ocean Viking calls MTRCC via Satellite phone seeking coordination of the search operation. MTRCC does not answer the phone.

23:44

Ocean Viking calls MTRCC via Satellite phone seeking coordination of the search operation. MTRCC does not answer the phone.

23:47

Ocean Viking calls MTRCC via Satellite phone seeking coordination of the search operation. MTRCC does not answer the phone.

23:50

Ocean Viking calls MTRCC via Satellite phone seeking coordination of the search operation. MTRCC does not answer the phone.

July 26, 2021
00:03

Ocean Viking calls MTRCC via Satellite phone seeking coordination of the search operation. MTRCC does not answer the phone.

00:15

Ocean Viking calls MTRCC via Satellite phone seeking coordination of the search operation. MTRCC does not answer the phone.

00:18

Ocean Viking calls MTRCC via Satellite phone seeking coordination of the search operation. MTRCC does not answer the phone.

00:39

Ocean Viking receives an email sent by MTRCC stating that MTRCC did not request Ocean Viking’s intervention in Maltese SRR.

01:07

Ocean Viking replies to MTRCC via email stating that she is responding to a distress alert and had informed MTRCC via email when she altered her course towards the reported distress position.

10:37

Ocean Viking calls MTRCC via Satellite phone seeking updated information on the open distress case. No information is provided.

10:40

Ocean Viking receives a VHF call by Seabird aircraft (Sea-Watch), flying 39 NM North of Ocean Viking’s last position, informing that they have not found the open distress case.

11:10

Ocean Viking sends an email to MTRCC informing that she couldn’t find the distress case and seeking updated information.

12:19

Ocean Viking receives an email sent by Alarm Phone informing that media outlets report a rescue operation conducted by the AFM in the Maltese SRR in the morning.

13:05

Ocean Viking calls MTRCC via Satellite phone seeking confirmation that the boat in distress alerted to by Alarm Phone is the one rescued by the AFM. MTRCC does not answer the phone.

July 31, 2021
07:30

The Ocean Viking launches two RHIBs. A GACS patrol vessel arrives on scene.

07:50

The GACS patrol vessel leaves the scene. Ocean Viking’s RHIBs proceed with the assessment of the rubber boat in distress.

08:49

Ocean Viking sends an email to LYJRCC (with ITMRCC and MTRCC) informing of the rescue completion.

09:10

Ocean Viking resumes navigation.

11:18

Ocean Viking sends an email to LYJRCC (with ITMRCC and MTRCC in copy) requesting the designation of a Place of Safety for the 57 rescued persons.

12:40

Ocean Viking completes the rescue of a rubber boat in distress. 54 people are safely brought onboard Ocean Viking.

Latitude: 33.29
Longitude: 012.117
15:50

Ocean Viking completes the rescue of a wooden boat in distress. 64 people are safely brought onboard Ocean Viking.

Latitude: 33.645
Longitude: 012.213
18:20

Ocean Viking completes the rescue of a wooden boat in distress. 21 survivors are safely brought onboard Ocean Viking.

Latitude: 33.428
Longitude: 012.395
August 1, 2021
19:24

Ocean Viking sends an email to MTRCC, TNMRCC and LYJRCC (with ITMRCC in copy) requesting a Place of Safety for the 555 survivors onboard.

August 2, 2021
11:40

Ocean Viking sends a request to ITMRCC for assistance in finding a Place of Safety to facilitate a prompt disembarkation of all survivors on board.

August 3, 2021
13:17

A medical evacuation of a female patient and her partner from Ocean Viking onto Italian Coast guard vessel is completed.

Latitude: 35.37
Longitude: 013.00
13:42

Ocean Viking sends a request to ITMRCC (with MTRCC, LYJRCC and TNMRCC in copy) requesting assistance in finding a Place of Safety and facilitate a prompt disembarkation of all remaining 553 survivors.

August 4, 2021
11:21

Ocean Viking sends a request to ITMRCC (with MTRCC, LYJRCC and TNMRCC in copy) requesting assistance in finding a Place of Safety and facilitate a prompt disembarkation of all remaining 553 survivors.

August 5, 2021
11:32

Ocean Viking sends a fourth request to ITMRCC (with MTRCC, LYJRCC and TNMRCC in copy) requesting assistance in finding a Place of Safety and facilitate a prompt disembarkation of all remaining 553 survivors.

August 6, 2021
11:30

Ocean Viking sends a fifth request to ITMRCC (with MTRCC, LYJRCC and TNMRCC in copy) requesting assistance in finding a Place of Safety and facilitate a prompt disembarkation of all remaining 550 survivors.

17:20

The medical evacuation of one patient, from the Ocean Viking to an Italian Coast guard vessel is completed.

Latitude: 36.445
Longitude: 015.34
August 7, 2021
11:35

Ocean Viking sends a sixth request to ITMRCC (with MTRCC, LYJRCC and TNMRCC in copy) requesting assistance in finding a Place of Safety and facilitate a prompt disembarkation of all remaining 449 survivors.

14:08

Ocean Viking receives via a phone call the instructions to disembark the 449 survivors in Pozzallo, Italy.

August 8, 2021
08:50

Ocean Viking docks in Pozzallo, Sicily

11:00

Testing of survivors starts in Pozzallo, Sicily.

16:15

Disembarkation starts from the Ocean Viking.

20:00

Disembarkation suspended for the day. 97 survivors disembarked in total.

August 9, 2021
08:40

Resumption of disembarkation in Pozzallo, Sicily.

August 10, 2021
19:15

Another 199 shipwrecked people disembarked from Ocean Viking in Pozzallo, Italy. 56 survivors remain onboard.

August 11, 2021
13:55

Disembarkation of all survivors in the port of Pozzallo, Italy, is completed.

August 25, 2021
17:28

The Italian health authorities notified the Ocean Viking of a 10-day prolongation of the quarantine.

September 3, 2021
18:16

Ocean Viking leaves the port of Pozzallo, Sicily.