As per current forecast, the weather in the central Mediterranean Sea and in the Adriatic Sea will deteriorate significantly from Monday 09 January.
General survivor condition on embarkation was fragile with significant exposure to fuel including burns and intoxication, exhaustion and general weakness. In addition, several survivors have presented with chronic conditions and long untreated medical issues. Repeated exposure to poor weather during a prolonged journey could be detrimental to survivor’s wellbeing and could pose a significant risk to their health in the coming days underway to Ancona.

Ocean Viking position at 23:49:  33 33N 012 25E

Ocean Viking is 102 NM away from the known distress position.

Ocean Viking sends an email requesting assistance in finding a Place of Safety to ITMRCC, with the Norwegian Maritime Authority in copy.

Ocean Viking sends a request for a Place of Safety to ITMRCC, with the Norwegian Maritime Authority in copy.

Ocean Viking sends a request for a Place of Safety to ITMRCC, with the Norwegian Maritime Authority in copy.

Ocean Viking sends requests of cooperation and coordination to identify a Place of Safety to 3 separate RCCs in France, Spain and Greece in 3 separate and independent emails.

Ocean Viking sends a request for a Place of Safety to ITMRCC, with the Norwegian Maritime Authority in copy.

Ocean Viking sends a request for a Place of Safety to ITMRCC, with the Norwegian Maritime Authority in copy.

Ocean Viking sends a request for a Place of Safety to ITMRCC, with the Norwegian Maritime Authority in copy.

Ocean Viking sends a request for a Place of Safety to ITMRCC, with the Norwegian Maritime Authority in copy.

Ocean Viking sends a request for a Place of Safety to ITMRCC, with the Norwegian Maritime Authority in copy.

Ocean Viking sends a request for a Place of Safety to ITMRCC, with the Norwegian Maritime Authority in copy.

Ocean Viking sends a request for a Place of Safety to ITMRCC, with MTRCC, JRCC Tripoli and the Norwegian Maritime Authority in copy:

“MV Ocean Viking has requested to the competent authorities of the Libyan SRR and Maltese SRR the indication of a Place of Safety (as required by the Annex to the 1979 SAR Convention, paragraph 1.3.2, and by the IMO Resolution MSC.167(78)) which fulfils all requirements under applicable international law, where the survivors can be safely and promptly disembarked.
However, the Libyan RCC and Maltese RCC have been unresponsive to such requests.
Therefore, MV Ocean Viking is now addressing your MRCC to request assistance in identifying a Place of Safety and facilitate a prompt disembarkation of all survivors on board.
While the 234 survivors on board MV Ocean Viking were rescued in a sea area that is outside of the SRR of Italy, please note that MV Ocean Viking has already exhausted the steps in relation to the competent authorities of the Libyan and Maltese SRRs.
MV Ocean Viking is waiting for further instructions.
Best regards
Bridge
Ocean Viking”

“Dear Sirs/Madams,

Please be informed that, at 1635 UTC in position 35 20 N 014 49 E, MV Ocean Viking completed the recovery operation of the persons in distress. 30 (number to be confirmed) shipwrecked persons have been safely brought on board MV Ocean Viking.

The breakdown of the survivors and complete information will follow in Maritime Incident Report.

Please acknowledge receipt of this message.

Best regards

Bridge

Ocean Viking”

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.”

Ocean Viking informs that she called MTRCC via Sat Phone to report the conversation with a NATO maritime patrol aircraft about a boat in distress in position 35 05 N 014 57 E. Ocean Viking reports that the NATO aicraft requested the Ocean Viking to proceed to distress position. Ocean informs that she still responding to the subject case and is ready to provide assistance.

Ocean Viking informs that she heard a Mayday Relay call and message on VHF ch.16 from an unidentified Sailing Yacht reporting a boat in distress in position 34 57 N 015 03 E. Ocean Viking reports that she called MTRCC via Sat phone to relay this information who asked to send an email. Ocean Viking informs that she is still proceeding to the distress position. ETA 2 hours.

Ocean Viking sends a request for a Place of Safety to MTRCC and JRCC Tripoli, with ITMRCC and the Norwegian Maritime Authority in copy:

“MV Ocean Viking is requesting your Rescue Coordination Centers, as competent authorities of the SRRs where the SAR operations were conducted, to coordinate in identifying a Place of Safety (as required by the Annex to the 1979 SAR Convention, paragraph 1.3.2, and by the IMO Resolution MSC.167(78)) which fulfils all requirements under applicable international law, where the survivors can be safely and promptly disembarked.”

Ocean Viking is 26 hours of navigation away from the Place of Safety.

Ocean Viking position: 37 03.3N 015 35.1E

ITMRCC is advising Ocean Viking to contact the flag state SAR authority or the competent SAR authority of the area.CloseClose

ITMRCC is advising Ocean Viking to contact the flag state SAR authority or the competent SAR authority of the area.Close

ITMRCC advises to contact Ocean Viking flagstate SAR authority or the competent SAR authority of the area for the designation of a Place of Safety for the survivors onboard Ocean Viking

Updated reported distress position: N3501 E1235

Ocean Viking sends an email to ITMRCC requesting assistance in the designation of a Place of Safety for the 387 survivors.

Ocean Viking sends an email to ITMRCC requesting assistance in the designation of a Place of Safety for the 387 survivors.

Ocean Viking sends an email to ITMRCC requesting assistance in the designation of a Place of Safety for the 387 survivors.

Ocean Viking sends an email to ITMRCC requesting assistance in the designation of a Place of Safety for the 387 survivors.

Ocean Viking sends an email to ITMRCC requesting assistance in the designation of a Place of Safety for the 387 survivors.

Ocean Viking sends an email to ITMRCC requesting assistance in the designation of a Place of Safety for the 387 survivors.

Ocean Viking informs that she is still in search operation about the distress case reported by the civil aircraft “Sea Bird”. Assuming that the rescue performed by the Italian Vessel Patrol is the same case, Lampedusa Radio copies the information and replies to stand by on Ch. 16 in case there are further information.

Ocean Viking is in position 35 16 N 012 39 E. Given the last two known position of the distress case, according to their course and speed, it is assumed that it is the opened distress case.

Ocean Viking sends an email to ITMRCC requesting assistance in the designation of a Place of Safety for the 387 survivors.

Ocean Viking sends an email to ITMRCC requesting assistance in the designation of a Place of Safety for the 387 survivors.

Ocean Viking sends an email to ITMRCC requesting assistance in the designation of a Place of Safety for the 387 survivors.

After three previous requests for the designation of a Place of Safety to the Libyan authorities, Ocean Viking sends an email to ITMRCC, with LYJRCC in copy, requesting assistance in the designation of a Place of Safety for the 387 survivors.

Ocean Viking precises in the email that the rescue completed could match with the open distress case relayed by Alarm Phone (AP 543).

Ocean Viking sends an email to ITMRCC and MTJRCC, with LYJRCC in copy, requesting assistance in the designation of a Place of Safety for the 228 survivors onboard.

A pregnant woman and her husband were transferred onto an Italian Coastguard patrol vessel.

Ocean Viking position: 36 10.8N 015 30E

MEDEVAC position: 35 19.09N 012 48.8E

Ocean Viking sends an email to ITMRCC, with LYJRCC and MTJRCC in copy, requesting assistance in the designation of a Place of Safety for the 294 survivors remaining onboard.

Ocean Viking sends an email to ITMRCC, with LYJRCC and MTJRCC in copy, requesting assistance in the designation of a Place of Safety for the 295 survivors.

Ocean Viking sends an email to ITMRCC, with LYJRCC and MTJRCC in copy, requesting assistance in the designation of a Place of Safety for the 295 survivors.

Ocean Viking sends an email to ITMRCC, with LYJRCC and MTJRCC in copy, requesting assistance in the designation of a Place of Safety for the 295 survivors.

Ocean Viking sends an email to ITMRCC, with LYJRCC and MTJRCC in copy, requesting assistance in the designation of a Place of Safety for the 295 survivors onboard.

Ocean Viking sends an email to ITMRCC, with LYJRCC and MTJRCC in copy, requesting assistance in the designation of a Place of Safety for the 295 survivors onboard.

Ocean Viking sends an email to ITMRCC, with LYJRCC and MTJRCC in copy, requesting assistance in the designation of a Place of Safety for the 295 survivors onboard.

Ocean Viking sends an email to ITMRCC and MTJRCC, with LYJRCC in copy, requesting assistance in the designation of a Place of Safety for the 295 survivors onboard.

The rubber boat is unseaworthy, overcrowded, with about 70 people on board, no
lifejackets, all exposed to the elements.

Ocean Viking sends an email to ITMRCC, with MTJRCC and and LYJRCC in copy, requesting a Place of Safety for the 122 remaining rescued persons onboard.

Ocean Viking sends a Maritime Incident Report to MTJRCC and ITMRCC via email, requesting a Place of Safety for the 123 remaining rescued persons onboard.

Ocean Viking sends a Maritime Incident Report to LYJRCC via email, with ITMRCC, MTJRCC in copy, requesting a Place of Safety for the 58 rescued persons onboard.

Ocean Viking sends a Maritime Incident Report to LYJRCC via email, with ITMRCC, MTJRCC in copy, requesting a Place of Safety for the 25 rescued persons onboard.

“We are informing you that at 09:45Z we assessed the situation with 2 RHIBs: the wooden boat is unseaworthy, overcrowded, with about 20 people on board, few lifejackets, children, women and a new born: all exposed to the elements. The people on board are in danger and I have ascertained that the Distress phase exists.” […] “Therefore, I inform you that M/V Ocean Viking will provide immediate assistance to these people in distress and rescue them without delay.”

“At 09:00UTC Ocean Viking has a visual contact with a wooden boat blue color in the water, possibly in distress.
Ocean Viking is going to launch our RHIBs and assess the situation.”

The quarantine will begin at the end of the process of disembarkation of the survivors.

Ocean Viking’s position: 35 41.8N 013 05E

According to Alarm Phone, the boat is drifting, with about 50 people onboard, including six women and four children.

Ocean Viking position: 33 21.6N 014 12.6E

Reported distress position: 34 38 848 N 014 42 609 E (about 80 NM North of OV)

Ocean Viking informs that we she will run out of pre-packed ’24 hours food kits’ after four days.

The reported position of the distress case alerted to by Alarm Phone is close to the latest position of the SAR case alerted to by the Inmarsat text message.

Updated distress position: 34 21N 012 18E

Ocean Viking informs ITMRCC that she is heading towards the distress position previously reported by the Inmarsat text message.

Through the ITMRCC, Ocean Viking succeeds in speaking with the LYJRCC duty officer. The Libyan duty officer only speaks Arabic and is not aware of the distress case.

Ocean Viking sends an email to LYJRCC with ITMRCC, MTRCC and Alarm Phone in copy, to inform that at 1825Z, the following message was received via VHF CH 16: ‘MAYDAY MAYDAY for a boat in distress in position 33 28N 013 53E.’ MV Ocean Viking tried to contact via VHF CH16 the station sanding a Mayday Call: No Reply.

Ocean Viking informs ITMRCC about the mayday relay and asks ITMRCC to send a Navtex message to all ships.

From: Ocean Viking
To: ITMRCC, Pozzallo Harbour Master
Cc: Norwegian Flag

“After both calls from ITMRCC and Pozzallo HM, Ocean Viking is proceeding to Porto Empedocle where we will contact ITCG/HM on VHF for instructions for disembarkation of survivors. Our ETA is 08h00B
We are advising the survivors now so as to maintain calm and the medical team will continue to treat the cases that need to be cared for. A medical handover will be done upon arrival. “

From: Ocean Viking
To: Pozzallo Harbour Master
Cc: ITMRCC, Catania Sezione Operativa, Ragusa Prefecture, Norwegian Flag

“The survivors are being informed that your medical team is arriving today. Our doctor is requesting that your medical team bring oral diazepam to the ship as we no longer have enough on board. We would need 500 dosages of 5mg.

We are standing by to receive your team like yesterday.”

From: Ocean Viking
To: Pozzallo Harbour Master
Cc: ITMRCC, Catania Sezione Operativa, Ragusa Prefecture, Norwegian Flag State

Monitoring. 0450B Update 2
The situation on board the Ocean Viking remains the same as it was since we declared the emergency on board.
The survivors are currently sleeping or are being cared for by the medical team.
There is still a large number of people suffering from psychological distress and who need to disembark as soon as possible.
We continue to thank you for your assistance and we will continue to up date with this email or any new developments as they happen.
GPS Postion Lat. 36°-17.15 N Long. 015° -02.50 E

From: Ocean Viking
To: Pozzallo Harbour Master
Cc: ITMRCC, Catania Sezione Operativa, Ragusa Prefecture, Norwegian Flag State

“The situation on board the Ocean Viking remains the same as it was since we declared the emergency on board.
There is still a large number of people suffering from psychological distress and who need to disembark as soon as possible.
We continue to thank you for your assistance and we will continue to up date with this email or any new developments as they happen.”

From: Norwegian JRCC  

To: ITMRCC 
CC: Ocean Viking

“1. JRCC has spoken to OCEAN VIKING concerning their situation. JRCC ask Master directly following :
a. Has OV at any time issued MAYDAY or activated the SSAS – Masters answer – Negative/No
b. Has OV at any time ask formally MRCC for MEDEVAC – Masters answer – Positive/Yes
c. Has OV asked for full MEDEVAC of all passenger or only those limited to psychological problem – Masters answer – Only limited number.
2. JRCC urge kindly MRCC to assist in MEDEVAC of limited number according to masters need.
3. JRCC considered only the aspect related to MEDEVAC iaw SOLAS/SAR Convention and understand the needs from OV to be of pure medical issue.
4. As a result of no MEDEVAC this JRCC understands the possible consequence could be a safety aspect – which could escalate to be an issue related to Law of Seas. This JRCC do not relates to this aspect as it falls outside the scope of JRCC responsibility.
5. OV position is in MRCC area of responsibility – As MRCC is already an appropriate RCC, this JRCC cannot assume any responsibility related to OV iaw IAMSAR Vol II 3.6.2 and 3.6.3. This JRCC can only kindly advice/ask MRCC to support request for MEDEVAC from OV according to Master needs.
Kind Regards”

From: Ocean Viking
To: Pozzallo Harbour Master
Cc: ITMRCC, Catania Sezione Operativa, Prefettura Ragusa, Norwegian Flag State

“After our conversation we would like to inform that weather conditions are getting worse in our current location. Currently F6. Any transfer between vessels would be risky for your personnel right now. We are able to find shelter to the East of Sicily if requested and can move quickly as there is still the urgency.
We would also request that the crew be tested at he same time. While there are strict protocols in place the crew has been taking care of the survivors on deck and in the clinic constantly so there is added stress of the fear of possibly having something on the ship.
We are standing by.”

In an email, the ITMRCC argues that the decision to postpone the transfer of an italian medical team onboard the Ocean Viking was not previously agreed with the ITMRCC.

From: Ocean Viking
To: Pozzallo Harbour Master
Cc: ITMRCC, Catania Sezione Operativa, Prefettura Ragusa, Norwegian Flag

“Your medical team has been disembarked from Ocean Viking to CP325. The situation remains the same onboard as per our email updates from yesterday and this morning with the state of emergency still in place.
We thank you for your assistance and we hope a solution can be found for the survivors quickly.
Please thank the medical team, the crew of CP 325 and Pozzallo Harbour Masters office from the crew of Ocean Viking. “

From: Ocean Viking
To: ITMRCC, Norwegian Embassy in Italy, French Embassy in Italy, CROSS
Cc: Gabinetto Esteri, Segretaria Capo di Gabinetto, Guardiacostiera

“Please be advised that the only reason that the transfer was postponed at 02h30LT was due to serious safety concerns and in full agreement with ITMRCC and Pozzallo Harbour master. This is fully in keeping with the ongoing emergency and is not contradictory to the ongoing situation. “

From: Ocean Viking
To: ITMRCC and Pozzallo Harbour Master
Cc: Norwegian Flag State

“After our conversation I am confirming that we will be in the position requested, to the East of the Vega platform and remaining in Intl waters 11h50 B.
I have spoken to the medical team onboard who have been screening the survivors twice daily as well our crew for symptoms of COVID 19, and I can state that there have been NO symptoms onboard. There was one suspected case that was medevaced to Lampedusa and he has since tested negative for COVID 19.
We will have our rhib in the water to do transfer of your personnel, 2 pax, to Ocean Viking at 1nm from Ocean Viking.
We are standing by on VHF 16 for contact with CP 325.
We request that CP 325 remains 1nm from Ocean Viking unless there is an emergency. It would be best that they remain astern of Ocean Viking to be able to keep visual in case anyone jumps. Our RHIB, callsign Easy 1 will remain on standby under the instructions of Ocean Viking in case of emergencies.”

From: Ocean Viking

To: ITMRCC

CC: Flag State

“Following our phone conversation, I confirm that Ocean Viking is in no other position than to declare a state of emergency onboard.
 
Ocean Viking has had 180 survivors onboard for several days, including 46 highly psychological unstable individuals who are a risk at any moment to harm themselves, the crew or the vessel. The urgent request to evacuate those people has not led to a positive response yet and we are in no position to control the situation any further.

We are in a state of necessity to reach a port as early as possible. I request all your assistance on this matter.

As per the last call my answers are as follows:

Nature:
Serious psychological issues within some survivors
Continued actions to self harm themselves and aggressions between themselves and more and more threats and aggression towards the crew
6 suicide attempts
2 MOB
3 Stopped from jumping by crew
1 attempt to hang themselves
Situation has been an emergency since we have had no response from any RCC
Situation has been ongoing for hours
We have been alerting about the situation since yesterday as it continued to worsen and before it became an emergency
We proceeded North after there was no response from Malta for several days. They are no longer answering the telephone or they hang up on us and have not responded to any of our emails. We there for contact the next RCC able to assist.”

As the situation on deck becomes uncontrollable and the safety of the survivors, crew and personnel can no longer be guaranteed, the Master of the Ocean Viking declares a State of Emergency over the vessel to request immediate support.

From: Ocean Viking

To: ITMRCC

“Please be advised that we have repeatedly tried to contact RCC Malta and have had no response. As to our Medevac request we have had no response from them and they do not even pick up the phone.”

From: ITMRCC

To: MTJRCC

CC: Ocean Viking

“Following our previous e-mail, this MRCC informs RCC MALTA that at 1120UTC, M/V Ocean Viking called via satphone this MRCC reporting that the ship is sailing towards Pozzallo and not Malta (the nearest port) to evacuate 46 people for urgent MEDEVACs because RCC MALTA doesn’t respond to their calls. For any appropriate action, find attached the email from pv regarding urgent medevac request for 44 ppl due to psychological problems. Please note that at the moment of the first urgent medevac request, the ship was 25nm far from malta and 60nm from pozzallo”

From: ITMRCC

To: Ocean Viking

CC: MTJRCC

“Sirs following your below email, as reported during your phone call with ITMAS at 0909 utc -and as you certainly know – Malta is the nearest port to evacuate the people who need urgent Medevac.”

From: Ocean Viking

To: ITMRCC, MTJRCC

CC: Flag State

“We bring to your attention an urgent situation on Ocean Viking that requires an immediate large medical evacuation.

We have a group of 44 males who are in acute mental distress and depression. Some of them express suicidal ideas and some have acted upon this. They endanger themselves and the rest of the crew and survivors and need to be evacuated as soon as possible.

Several already attempt suicide since 2 days and are now under medical watch. This morning there was also one medical emergency when one individual became unconscious. He is now being monitored closely in the ship hospital.

The medical team (1 MD, 2 nurses and 1 midwife) does not have the capacity to ensure the individual safety of the 44 survivors.

The weather conditions are worsening and if other people jump overboard we will not be able to safely launch our rescue boat without risking our crew and the lives of rescued people.

Please note the attached general medical report.

For the evacuation, the medical team recommends that there is manpower available to handle potentially agitated people.

Due to the necessity of urgent medical evacuation the Ocean Viking is heading North East toward Pozzallo and we will be standing by for instructions.”

From: Ocean Viking

To: ITMRCC, MTJRCC

CC: Flag State

“We are currently going to best speed to head for shelter. We currently have multiple survivors who are on suicide watch. 5 have tried to jump into the water and another one tried to hang themselves 20mins ago. We have also just had one person collapse on deck and the medical team is again taking care of them. There will be a medical report following when the doctor is free to write along with a possible demand for multiple medevacs.  The situation is very unstable and peoples safety cannot be guaranteed while they remain in limbo onboard.”

From: ITMRCC

To: Ocean Viking, Flag State, Norwegian Embassy in Italy, French Embassy in Italy, CROSS

CC: Gabinetto Esteri, Gabinetto MinIntero, Segreteria Capo di Gabinetto, Guardia Costiera

“Dear Sirs, Due to the increasing critical situation on board, please find attached email received by mv ocean viking concerning an urgent request for assistance. Please acknowledge theis message, keeping informed this MRCC on the action taken”

From: Ocean Viking To: ITMRCC CC: Flag State “Due to the worsening weather conditions we will need to seek shelter. The only place that offers shelter is currently to the east of Sicily. The other issue is that if other people jump overboard and the weather is too bad we will not be able to safely launch our rescue boat without risking our crew . Please be advised that we may seek shelter remaining outside of the 12nm shortly.”

From: Ocean Viking
To: ITMRCC
CC: Gabinetto Esteri, Gabinetto MinInterno, Segreteria Capo di Gabinetto, Guardia Costiera, NCC, French Embassy in Italy, CROSS, Norwegian Flag State

For complete information on the four SAR cases in which the Ocean Viking was involved, I kindly refer you and the other recipients of your message to the four Maritime Incident Reports sent earlier, which I attach again here and I would underline the following:

1. The initial SAR case in which the Ocean Viking was involved took place in the overlapping Italian & Maltese SRR after being spotted in the Maltese SRR. When the boat in distress entered into IT SRR, ITMRCC was addressed directly. Multiple calls were made to ITMRCC during the last 5 days and all calls have been logged.
2. Both RCC Malta and ITMRCC were contacted/informed at every stage of the three other operations as per our strict procedures. Again all emails are available and all calls logged.
3. Our flag state has been kept informed with each Maritime Incident Report.

Your assistance is greatly appreciated in finding any suitable Port of Safety where survivors can be promptly disembarked as per SAR conventions, including, if you consider it appropriate, with the support from other authorities and further  RCCs.

The 180 survivors we have onboard now have been going through an extensive time at sea, they are exhausted and urgently need to be taken care of by appropriate authorities. The current situation leads to growing tensions onboard which are becoming challenging to manage. We are also monitoring weather conditions over the next couple of days and we can see the situation deteriorating over the Western Med and the Central Med in the coming days.

From: ITMRCC
To: French Embassy in Italy, CROSS, Norwegian Flag State
CC: Gabinetto Esteri, Gabinetto MinInterno, Segreteria Capo di Gabinetto, Guardia Costiera, NCC, Ocean Viking

In this email, ITMRCC states that there had been “absolutely no communication with the Italian Rescue Coordination Center, neither before nor after the operation” for the four rescues the Ocean Viking performed on June 25 and June 30. Further, since the ship flies the Norwegian flag and is allegedly owned by a French citizen, and in light of the decree of April 7, 2020, declaring Italian ports unsafe due to the outbreak of COVID-19 in Italy, the Italian authorities request that the French and Norwegian authorities provide a Place of Safety for the disembarkation of the 180 survivors, suggesting Corsica.

The Ocean Viking informs MTJRCC and ITMRCC via email that the overcrowded wooden boat carrying approx. 80 people is slightly listing on one side and that the RHIBs will proceed to life jacket distribution and evacuation to the Ocean Viking.

The Ocean Viking reports overcrowded wooden boat, not making way, to MTJRCC via phone.

The Ocean Viking sends an email to MTJRCC with ITMRCC in copy to inform that visual contact has been established with a boat and that Ocean Viking is going to investigate for assessment.

The Ocean Viking provides the ITMRCC with the rescue data about the three rescues. It also informs that the medical report will be sent to the Ministry of Health.

As requested, the Ocean Viking informs the ITMRCC of the Estimated Time of Arrival (ETA) to Pozzallo.

Dear Sirs,
Thank you for the information.
Our ETA to Pozzallo is 0800Z 23/02 at pilot station.
We will send a full medical report with referrals from the medical team on-board to the Ministry of Health.
Please inform us of any additional information needed regarding precautions from MOI.
Kind Regards
MVH
Bridge

The ITMRCC informs the Ocean Viking by email that the Ministry of Interior has assigned Pozzalo (Sicily, Italy) as port of destination.

The Ocean Viking sets course and speed to reach Pozzallo in the morning the same day.

It has been 3 days that the Ocean Viking originally requested a place of safety to the Libyan and European authorities.

In that period and since the first of three rescues on the 18^th of February, JRCC-Tripoli has not responded any of the emails sent by the Ocean Viking. When answered, VHF and phone communications were useless because JRCC-Tripoli was not able to converse in any other language than Arabic.

A demand of POS was made to IT-MRCC and RCC-Malta by email late on the 19^th of February. After a second email sent the following day, IT-MRCC did acknowledge the POS request but did not provide any instruction regarding a place of safety where the 274 survivors rescued by the Ocean Viking could be disembarked.

The situation on board, with limited space coupled with the weather conditions and cold, is negatively affecting the people’s social and physical well-being. The Ocean Viking is continuing to standing by.

ITMRCC acknowledges receipt of the Ocean Viking’s PoS request. They also inform the Ocean Viking that they have forwarded the request to the competent authority.

The Ocean Viking sends a follow-up e-mail to MTJRCC, with LYJRCC and ITMRCC in copy, regarding the PoS request for disembarking the 276 survivors currently on board.

The Ocean Viking sends a follow-up e-mail to ITMRCC, with LYJRCC and MTJRCC in copy, regarding the PoS request for disembarking the 276 survivors currently on board.

Since the Ocean Viking has not received any response to her demand of a place of safety, or any acknowledgement of any attempts of communication in the past three days, the Ocean Viking officially requests a place of safety to disembark survivors to ITMRCC MTJRCC.

Ocean Viking position at 22:00: 34°18,7’N 012°22,1’E

The Ocean Viking sends an email to LYJRCC, with ITMRCC, MTJRCC, Sea-Watch 3, Airborne and Alarm Phone in copy, to inform that the rescue is completed.

At 10:04, the Ocean Viking sends an email to LYJRCC, with ITMRCC, MTRCC, Alarm Phone, Sea-Watch 3 and Airborne in copy, to inform that she has passed the last reported position of the wooden boat and that search efforts are being pursued to the North.

Updated position at 10:15: 33°43’N 12°41’E

ITMRCC answers a phone call from the Ocean Viking during which it is informed that Sea-Watch 3 is responding to the rubber boat distress call (Alarm Phone Case 1 AP 19.02) whereas the Ocean Viking responds to the second distress call from a wooden boat (Alarm Phone Case 2 AP 19.02).

ITMRCC is also made aware of the multiple attempts to contact LYJRCC, which fails at responding or speaking any other language than Arabic. The Ocean Viking informs that there are no instructions or coordination from authorities regarding SAR efforts in the area.

At 07:37, the Ocean Viking sends an email to LYJRCC, with ITMRCC, MTJRCC, Alarm Phone, Sea-Watch 3 and Airborne in copy, that she is in the area and is responding to the distress alert sent for Case 1 AP.

Ocean Viking position: 33°30.7’N 12°16.6’E

The Ocean Viking calls the Italian MRCC, asking if it is aware of the distress alerts. Duty officer confirms having received the information. The Ocean Viking informs that it has tried to contact the Libyan authorities without success and asks who to contact to coordinate SAR events in the area. The Italian MRCC suggests to contact the LYJRCC with an Arabic-speaker.

Alarm Phone sends an email addressed to LYJRCC, MTJRCC and ITMRCC with the Ocean Viking, Sea-Watch 3 and Airborne in copy, informing that they received a distress call from a wooden boat that departed from Zawiya around 23:00 on February 18th.

Alarmphone Case 2 AP 19.02

Reported Position at 06:41: 33°17.2’N 012°24.7’E

At 07:19 on February 19th, Alarm Phone sends an email addressed to LYJRCC, MTJRCC and ITMRCC with the Ocean Viking, Sea-Watch 3 and Airborne in copy, informing that they received a distress call from a rubber boat that departed from Zawiya around 23:00 on February 18th.

Alarm Phone Case 1 AP 19.02

Reported Position at 06:20: 33°06.7′ N 012°21.7’E

Alarm Phone sends an email addressed to LYJRCC, MTJRCCand ITMRCC with the Ocean Viking and Sea-Watch 3 in copy, informing that they received a distress call from a rubber boat.

Reported position at 14:25 : 33°30 N 012°16 E

The Ocean Viking sends an email to LYJRCC, with MTJRCC, ITMRCC and Alarm Phone in copy, to inform that the rescue is completed with 84 survivors safely on board the Ocean Viking.

Reporting no medical emergency.

The close-up assessment of the two RHIBs reports that the wooden boat was overcrowded, with approximately 90 persons on board. All are exposed to the elements and none are equipped with life jackets.

The Ocean Viking sends an email to LYJRCC, with MTRCC and ITMRCC in copy, informing that a rescue operation is being initiated.

The Ocean Viking sends an email to LYJRCC and Alarm Phone, with MTJRCC and ITMRCC in copy, to inform that visual contact has been established with an overcrowded wooden boat near position 34°17.2’N 012°24.5’E. It also informs that it will evaluate the situation.

The Ocean Viking replies by email to LYJRCC and Alarm Phone, with MTJRCCand ITMRCC in copy, that the update was received.

Alarm Phone sends an email to LYJRCC, MTJRCC and ITMRCC (with the Ocean Viking in copy) updating the position of the reported boat in distress.

Updated position: 34°14.0’N 012°21.0’E at 06:03 28/02/2020

Alarm Phone sends an email addressed to LYJRCC, MTJRCCand ITMRCC with the Ocean Viking in copy, informing that they received a distress call from a wooden boat that departed from Sabratah or Zuwara on February 17th at about 5 or 6 am.

Reported position: 34°12.0’N 012°18.6’E at 05:24 28/02/2020

The Ocean Viking sends an email addressed to LYJRCC, with ITMRCC, MTJRCC and Sea-Watch 3 in copy, informing that the Ocean Viking is altering her course and is proceeding at best possible speed to assist if need be.

Distance to reported distress position: 228 NM – ETA: 13:00 18/02

“be informed that the Ministry of Interior has assigned TARANTO as port of destination for M/V OCEAN VIKING with 403 POB.”

“Female patient severe fuel burn which affect 15% of her body. 2^nd degree burn mainly. Pain management is successful with morphine. She is traveling with her three children (6yo, 8yo and 17yo). For evacuation, medical team recommends her to be transported horizontally.”

ITMRCC transfer the call to MTMRCC and they ask Ocean Viking to call them back in 10 minutes

We respectfully request that […] please  provide the indication of a Place of Safety […] which fulfils all requirements under all applicable international laws, where the 151 survivors can be safely and promptly disembarked.”

I respectfully request that, as the JRCC coordinating, you please provide with the indication of a Place of Safety which fulfils all requirements […]”

Ocean Viking emails to the Libyan Join Rescue Coordination Center copy to Italian and Maltese Coordination Centers also, as well to EUNAVFORMED sending the Maritime Incident Report and asking for Place of Safety. 92 survivors. 39 men, 15 women and 38 minors, among them 4 pregnant women and 2 babies. Nationalities:  Somalia, Ivory Coast, Cameroon, Guinea Conakry, Mali; Senegal, Guinea Bissau, Benin and Gambia

Good evening Sir

“Be informed that Italian Ministry of Interior has assigned POZZALLO as destination harbor for your ship.[…]”

I respectfully request that, as the JRCC coordinating, you please provide with the indication of a Place of Safety which fulfils all requirements […]”

Ocean Viking emails to the Libyan Join Rescue Coordination Center copy to Italian and Maltese Coordination Centers also, as well to EUNAVFORMED sending the Maritime Incident Report and asking for Place of Safety. 39 survivors. 15 men, 5 women and 19 minors. Nationalities: Morocco, Bangladesh, Egypt and Somalia.  

Alert phase: apprehension exists as to the safety of the boat and its occupants.

Ocean Viking email to the Libyan Join Rescue Coordination Center copy to Italian and Maltese Coordination Centers also, as well to EUNAVFORMED and Alarm Phone, reporting the email from Alarm Phone about the boat in distress

At 21:29 Ocean Viking sends a “notice of readiness for SAR operations” to the Libyan JRCC, copying Maltese MRCC, Italian MRCC and EUNAVFOR Med

ITCG calls Ocean Viking on phone and informs that Pozzallo (IT) has been assigned as a Place of Safety for the 60 survivors. Ocean Viking alters course accordingly

Ocean Viking sends an email to ITMRCC and MTJRCC copying LYJRCC to request a Place of Safety:

” … Please find attached Maritime Incident Report regarding the SAR operation conducted by MV Ocean Viking on 28th Nov. 2019. 60 people were rescued, including 40 males, 2 females and 18 minors …

… Whole operation took place in international waters, in the Libyan SRR and in the strictest adherence to the UNCLOS, SOLAS and SAR conventions

On the 29th of November,  we asked JRCC Tripoli to assign a Place of Safety for the disembarkation of the survivors. No response has been received.

According to international maritime conventions and regulations (IMO Resolution MSC.167 (78): in a case where the RCC responsible for the area where the survivors are recovered cannot be contacted, attempt to contact another RCC, or if that is impractical, any other Government authority that may be able to assist, while recognizing that responsibility still rests with the RCC of the area in wh