Ocean Viking in position 33 30.2 N 012 25.3 E sends an email to JRCC Tripoli, with ITMRCC and MTRCC in copy, to inform that she spotted the boat in distress and launched two rhibs to assess the situation. The wooden boat is unseaworthy, overcrowded, with about 50 people on board without lifejackets and with women, all exposed to the elements. Ocean Viking informs that she tried to call JRCC Tripoli on two numbers, with no avail. Ocean Viking informs that she will proceed to the assistance of the persons in distress:
“MV Ocean Viking has no information on the availability of other vessels in the area which are capable/available to promptly recover these persons in distress and deliver them to a Place of Safety.
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.
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.
MV Ocean Viking will proceed to the assistance of these persons in distress and rescue them without delay, while keeping competent RCCs duly informed.
Please acknowledge receipt of this message.
Best regards
Bridge
Ocean Viking“