S/V Astral requested Medevac for a pregnant woman rescued at sea. RCC Malta advises S/V Astral to seek Ocean Viking support to facilitate the helicopter Medevac via Ocean Viking winch deck

The caller claimed to have received Ocean Viking telephone number from RCC Malta, which instructed them to contact Ocean Viking, as this vessel is the area. 

The caller informed that the distress boat is without water and they are asking to be rescued. 

The information above seems to indicate the subject boat may be the one referred to by Alarm Phone alert AP1018 and aircraft Seabird2 spotting. 

While informing that Ocean Viking is currently underway to Civitavecchia port as per ITMRCC instructions, Ocean Viking seeks information and instruction in regards to the subject boat. 

Ocean Viking best ETA to the distress case can be 0200UTC on the 08^th of July. 

The aircraft will be in a mayday position in less than 30 minutes. Communication was broken, Ocean Viking was not able to read full messages.

In Position 33 31.2N 013 52E

Laurence said not add NMA [JL1]

is there a reason?  [SC2]

I am not sure why [JL3]

Duty Officer is busy and operator instructs Ocean Viking to send an email.

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

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

“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 in position 34 56 N 013 04 E sends an email to MTRCC, with ITMRCC in copy, as requested by the operator over the phone. Ocean Viking informs that she is proceeding to the position of the boat reported adrift.

“Dear Sirs/Madams,

Please be informed that, at 2107 UTC in position 34 56 N 012 17 E, MV Ocean
Viking completed the recovery operation of the persons in distress. 56
(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 informs that the boat in distress has been located in position 34 56 N 012 17 E: about 60 persons, including women and children, adrift with no navigational aids or lifesaving appliances. 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.

Ocean Viking in position 34 28 N 012 57 E sends an email MTRCC, with ITMRCC in copy, about the distress case reported by Seabird 3. Ocean Viking informs that she is responding to this alert, ready to provide assistance.

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

“Please note that in the course of a SAR operation conducted yesterday (22 10 2022) in the Libyan SRR, MV Ocean Viking had recovered 34 survivors (see attached MIR).

We are requesting the indication of a Place of Safety (as defined in the Annex to the 1979 SAR Convention, paragraph 1.3.2 and in the International Maritime Organization 2004 Rescue Guidelines) to promptly disembark all 73 survivors who are currently on-board.

Please acknowledge receipt of this message.

Best regards

Bridge

Ocean Viking“

“Dear Sirs/Madams,

Please be informed that, at 1035 UTC in position 34 24 N 012 50 E, MV Ocean Viking completed the rescue operation of the boat in distress. 40 (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 34 24 N 012 50 E sends an email to MTRCC, with ITMRCC in copy, to inform that she spotted the adrift boat in distress by binoculars and launched two rhibs to assess the situation. The fiber boat is unseaworthy, overcrowded, with a list to starboard, with about 40 people on board without lifejackets and women, all exposed to the elements. Ocean Viking informs that she called MTRCC to inform about the distress being ascertained and that she is going to proceed to the recovery of these persons in distress at sea. Ocean Viking informs that the operator copied the information. Ocean Viking further writes that she will proceed to the assistance of the persons in distress:

“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 RCC duly informed.

Please acknowledge receipt of this message.

Best regards

Bridge

Ocean Viking“

Ocean Viking reports the distress alert given by the aircraft Colibri 2 about a white fiberglass boat overcrowded and unsuitable for navigation in high seas with approximately 40 persons on board. Ocean Viking informs that she called MTRCC via Sat Phone and acknowledges that the operator copied the information. Ocean Viking informs that she will proceed to the assistance of the persons in distress:

“There is a reasonable certainty that the persons on board are threatened by grave and imminent danger of being lost at sea and require immediate assistance.

MV Ocean Viking is proceeding towards the target, about 20NM away, ready to provide assistance.

MV Ocean Viking will keep you informed.

Please acknowledge receipt of this message and inform of your SAR action plan.

Best regards

Bridge

Ocean Viking”

The wooden boat is unseaworthy, overcrowded, with about 15 people on board, no lifejackets, all exposed to the elements.

The wooden boat is unseaworthy, overcrowded, with about 50 people on board, all exposed to the elements.

Ocean Viking is 15NM away from the reported distress position.

Updated reported distress position: N3501 E1235

Ocean Viking is 8NM away from the known distress position.

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.

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.

Rescue position: 34 46.3N 012 45.0E

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

Ocean Viking in position: 34 59N 012 36E

Ocean Viking in position 34 47.0 N 012 29.6 E

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.”

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 wooden boat in distress is overcrowded, with a freeboard very low, fuel smell and a list on port side. Onboard there are women and children.

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.

MTRCC informs Ocean Viking that a drone has been sent to fly over the reported distress area.

Colibri2 aircraft (Pilotes volontaires) reported to the Ocean Viking having witnessed the interceptions.

LYCG patrol vessel subsequently asked Ocean Viking to perform the rescue.

The Libyan patrol vessel expresses its intention to intercept the boat in distress. Ocean Viking calls MT RCC by phone, but neither instructions nor coordination were provided.

OV position: 34-16.8N 012-10.8E

Ocean Viking informs the LYCG that she is in capacity to perform the rescue operation of the people onboard the wooden boat in distress, including people with disabilities, in a safe way. LYCG refuses.

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.

A pregnant patient requiring intensive care is evacuated from Ocean Viking via an Armed Forces of Malta helicopter with her partner. Ocean Viking in position 35 40.16N 013 30.75E

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.”

Further to our earlier phone call conversation, please find updated position of the migrant boat at 2200B
Position Lat 34-46N Long 012-14E.
Heading 022 Deg Speed 6 knots.

The Ocean Viking informs the MTJRCC via phone that visual contact with a potential distress case has been established and that a SAR operation might be initiated.

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.

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

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

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

The Ocean Viking sends an email to LYJRCC with MTRCC and Alarm Phone in copy, to inform that her course and speed have been altered to investigate and assist if need be and that the Ocean Viking position is situated 22 NM from the reported position.

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

MTMRCC request more medical information and confirms MEDEVAC for the patient and her 3 children

“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.”

Ocean Viking informs rescue completed of 82 survivors and that the previous one were 102 survivors

Maltese Officer on duty informs MT Patrol Vessel is 1h20 away, just if needed

Ocean Viking, in close contact in the last hours with MTMRCC, informs that the best ETA of interception is about 45 minutes

Mt RCC gives new position 33 59N 013 51E for the green dark dinghy 10 min ago (case MT 68) and 33 55N  014 00E for the white rubber boat 5 min ago (case MT 67)

The transfer to the Maltese Patrol Vessel is not possible because the vessel is engaged in other rescues

Maltese duty officer gives permission to launch the RHIBs and perform a first assessment from the water, but any case, a Maltese Patrol Vessel will be in the area in two hours to perform the rescue

Ocean Viking informs that the boat is not underway, and it is drifting.  Maltese MRCC duty officer asks to Ocean Viking to not intervene.

Maltese officer informs that the plane in the area reports a fiber-glass white and red boat in position 34 36N 012 47E, 50 people, 8 knots, bearing 350

Ocean Viking acknowledge the message and proceed towards the target. As per previous phone call with MTMRCC duty officer, Ocean Viking will keep updated on the situation

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

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

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 which the survivors are recovered), Ocean Viking is now formally requesting Maltese and Italian maritime authorities, as the RCCs better able to assist, to take coordination and support finding a Place of Safety that fulfils the criteria set by Maritime and International Law to disembark safely and as soon as possible the 60 survivors on board the vessel.

Thank you in advance for your cooperation and assistance.

Please acknowledge receipt of this message”

Ocean Viking calls MTJRCC on phone and informs MTJRCC that all survivors have been transferred from offshore supply ship to LNCG boat

Ocean Viking calls MTJRRC on phone for an update on black rubber boat. MTJRCC informs Ocean Viking that rescue of black rubber boat is completed. MTJRCC asks Ocean Viking about situation on board offshore supply ship

Ocean Viking is copied in an email from Alarm Phone to MTJRCC with an updated position of black rubber boat. Ocean Viking alters course accordingly

Ocean Viking calls MTJRCC on the phone to offer assistance.

Ocean Viking is copied in an email from Alarm Phone to MTJRCC informing about a boat in distress. The reported position of the boat is approximately 90 nm away. Ocean Viking alters course and proceeds towards the target

Ocean Viking sends an email to LYJRCC, copying ITMRCC and MTJRCC, and informs that supply ship asked for assistance

“… Please be aware that Ocean Viking has been contacted by M/V … via VHF, requesting assistance from Ocean Viking.

We are proceeding towards their position and will assist them if needed. We believe that they have 30 survivors on board.

We will request some coordination in this matter.

We will arrive near their position in approx. 1.5hrs”

Ocean Viking sends an email to LYJRCC (copying ITMRCC, MTJRCC and EUNAVFOR MED) and asks for a Place of Safety

“… We are requesting a Place of Safety (as defined in the Annex to the 1979 SAR Convention, paragraph 1.3.2 and in the International Maritime Organization 2004 Rescue Guidelines) to promptly disembark all 60 survivors who are currently on-board.

MV Ocean Viking  in psn 33-37,9N 012-30,1E  at 2044Z

Please acknowledge receipt of this message.“

Ocean Viking sends an email to LYJRCC, copying ITMRCC and MTJRCC, to inform of rescue completion:

” … Please be advised that Ocean Viking found the wooden boat. Due to the sever overcrowding and problems with stability the rescue was started immediately. We will send a full rescue report as soon as possible. The medical team is currently taking care of the survivors. Right now there are no emergency cases.“

Legal reference:

It’s part of the duties of the Master to inform the RCC responsible for the SRR about the evolution of the situation : “keep the RCC informed about conditions, assistance needed, and actions taken or planned for the survivors (see paragraph 6.10 regarding other information the RCC may wish to obtain);”  (Source: MSC 167(78) )

Upon entering the Libyan Search and Rescue Region, Ocean Viking sends a “notice of readiness for SAR operations” to the Libyan JRCC, copying the Italian MRCC, the Maltese MRCC and EUNAVFOR Med.

” … MV Ocean Viking declares readiness for SAR operations in the Central Mediterranean Sea, South of Lampedusa and Malta, outside of Libyan Territorial Waters.   
Actual position: 34°36.0’ N  014°31.8’ E   
Proceeding with COG 200°  SOG 10.5 kts, remaining in international water at all times.“

More information to follow soon

Ocean Viking sends an email to LYJRCC, MTJRCC and ITMRCC and requests a medevac for a pregnant woman and an injured man

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

” … MV Ocean Viking conducted 3 rescue operations, on the 19th, 20th and 21th of November, of a total of 215 people in distress. Please refer to MIR reports previously shared for more details.

All operations took place in international waters, in the Libyan SRR. All of them in the strictest adherence to the UNCLOS, SOLAS and SAR conventions

Currently, we have a total of 215 rescued people on board, including 20 women and 66 minors. 54 of the minors are unaccompanied.

There are four pregnant women, one is 8 months into pregnancy, and there are six children below the age of five.

Medical team is providing necessary treatment where needed. The medical team also provides treatment to an injured person suffering from a gun shot wound.

Some of the survivors speak of being held in places of captivity for varying periods of time, and present marks of physical violence.

On the 20th of November, JRCC Tripoli communicated Tripoli as a Place of Safety for the disembarkation of the survivors. Ocean Viking responded on the 21th  of November that Libyan ports cannot be considered as a Place of Safety and requested an alternative POS to disembark survivors on-board. No response has been received so far.

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 which the survivors are recovered), Ocean Viking is now formally requesting Maltese and Italian maritime authorities, as the RCCs better able to assist, to take coordination and support finding a Place of Safety that fulfills the criteria set by Maritime and International Law to disembark safely and as soon as possible the 215 survivors on board the vessel.

Thank you in advance for your cooperation and assistance.

Please acknowledge receipt of this message.”

Ocean Viking sends an email to LYJRCC, MTJRCC and ITMRCC and requests a medevac for a pregnant woman

Ocean Viking sends an email to LYJRCC, copying ITMRCC and MTJRCC, to inform of rescue completion.

It’s part of the duties of the Master to inform the RCC responsible for the SRR about the evolution of the situation : “keep the RCC informed about conditions, assistance needed, and actions taken or planned for the survivors (see paragraph 6.10 regarding other information the RCC may wish to obtain);”  (Source: MSC 167(78) )

Ocean Viking informs LYJRCC (copying ITMRCC, MTJRCC and EUNAVFOR MED) by email about possible distress situation and that 2 RHIBs will be launched in water:

“… Ocean Viking spotted a rubber boat in the water, possibly in distress
The boat is overcrowded and people have no lifejacket. There is also reports of injured persons on board. Our medical team is standing by to receive them

Ocean Viking position: 33°14.4’N  016°30.1’E

Ocean Viking is going to launch our RHIBs to investigate and proceed to rescue if needed.

We will keep you updated“

Ocean Viking informs LYJRCC by email, with ITMRCC, MTJRCC in copy, that she cannot proceed to disembarkation in Tripoli (Libya) due to the fact that Libyan ports do not conform to the definition of Place Of Safety.

“… We acknowledge receipt of your request to proceed to Libya – Tripoli to disembark the 125 survivors on board MV Ocean Viking.

As you know, under the International Convention on maritime search and rescue to which Libya is a state party, a rescue is only considered as completed once rescued people have been disembarked in a place of safety (As defined in the Annex to the 1979 SAR Convention, paragraph 1.3.2 and in the International Maritime Organization 2004 Rescue Guidelines)

It is within this framework that the European Commission and United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees issued clear positions stating that currently Libya does not meet the criteria for being designated as a place of safety for the purpose of disembarkation following rescue at sea (https://www.refworld.org/docid/5b8d02314.html)

I understand that among the survivors on board there are people, including women, children, unaccompanied minors and pregnant women, who say that if returned to Libya, they would be in danger of being subjected to severe abuses.

In light of this clear guidance and international law provisions, we are not in a position to head towards a Libyan port, which cannot be considered as a place of safety for rescued people.

I respectfully request that as the JRCC coordinating, that you please provide with the indication of a Place of Safety, which fulfils all requirements under all applicable international laws, where the survivors can be safely and promptly disembarked.

Please acknowledge receipt of this message.“

Ocean Viking sends an email to LYJRCC (copying ITMRCC, MTJRCC and EUNAVFOR MED) and asks for a Place of Safety

” … We are requesting a Place of Safety (as defined in the Annex to the 1979 SAR Convention, paragraph 1.3.2 and in the International Maritime Organization 2004 Rescue Guidelines) to promptly disembark all 125 survivors who are currently on-board.”

Ocean Viking sends an email to LYJRCC, copying ITMRCC and MTJRCC, to inform of rescue completion.

Legal reference:

It’s part of the duties of the Master to inform the RCC responsible for the SRR about the evolution of the situation : “keep the RCC informed about conditions, assistance needed, and actions taken or planned for the survivors (see paragraph 6.10 regarding other information the RCC may wish to obtain);”  (Source: MSC 167(78) )

Ocean Viking informs LYJRCC (copying ITMRCC, MTJRCC and EUNAVFOR MED) by email:

” … Correction. The boat is a small wooden boat with approx. 25-30 persons onboard. Our rescue boats are currently carrying out the evaluation and rescue if needed. Our POS. 33-19,7N 013-52,7E

I will continue to update this RCC “

It’s part of the duties of the Master to inform the RCC responsible for the SRR about the evolution of the situation : “keep the RCC informed about conditions, assistance needed, and actions taken or planned for the survivors (see paragraph 6.10 regarding other information the RCC may wish to obtain);” (Source: MSC.167(78) )

Ocean Viking informs LYJRCC (copying ITMRCC, MTJRCC and EUNAVFOR MED) by email about possible distress situation and that 2 RHIB will be launched:

” … while  Ocean Viking was proceeding north Ocean Viking spotted a rubber boat in the water, possibly in distress
The boat seems to be overcrowded and people have no lifejackets.

Ocean Viking position: 33°16.5’N  013°47.2’E

Ocean Viking is going to launch our RHIBs and investigate and start stabilisation.

We will keep you updated“

Ocean Viking sends an email to LYJRCC, copying ITMRCC and MTJRCC, to inform of rescue completion.

It’s part of the duties of the Master to inform the RCC responsible for the SRR about the evolution of the situation : “keep the RCC informed about conditions, assistance needed, and actions taken or planned for the survivors (see paragraph 6.10 regarding other information the RCC may wish to obtain);”  (Source: MSC 167(78) )

Ocean Viking informs LYJRCC (copying ITMRCC, MTJRCC and EUNAVFOR MED) by email about possible distress situation and that 2 RHIB will be launched in water:

” … Ocean Viking spotted a rubber boat in the water, possibly in distress
The boat is overcrowded and people have no lifejacket.
Ocean Viking position: 33°27.8’N  012°51.3’E
Ocean Viking is going to launch our RHIBs and investigate
We will keep you updated“

Upon entering the Libyan Search and Rescue Region, Ocean Viking sends a “notice of readiness for SAR operations” to the Libyan JRCC, copying the Italian MRCC, the Maltese MRCC and EUNAVFOR Med.

“… MV Ocean Viking declares readiness for SAR operations in the Central Mediterranean Sea, South of Lampedusa and Malta, outside of Libyan Territorial Waters.   
Actual position: 34°16.9’ N  013°39.2’ E   
Proceeding with COG 210°  SOG 11 kts, remaining in international water at all times …”

Ocean Viking enters the Libyan Search and Rescue Region (SRR), in international waters.

On 27^th June 2018, coordinates of the Libyan JRCC were uploaded on the GISIS, thereby legitimizing the coordination of rescues by this JRCC in the Libyan SRR.

From now on, according to the global SAR plan and the SAR Convention, any SAR case is under the responsibility of the Libyan Joint Rescue Coordination Center (JRCC).

The responsibilities of a Rescue Coordination Centre (RCC) are:

• To coordinate rescues on a 24-hour basis;
• To provide a place of safety for survivors or ensure that such a place of safety is provided;
• To arrange disembarkation as soon as reasonably practicable.

According to Maritime conventions and resolutions,

• Upon the declaration of a distress phase, a RCC shall initiate “search and rescue operations when the position of the search object is unknown” (SAR Convention, art. 4.5.4).
• As soon as the RCC responsible for a SRR in which assistance is needed is informed about a distress situation, it “should immediately accept responsibility for coordinating the rescue efforts” (MSC.167(78), art 6.7).
• RCCs “should be prepared to act quickly on their own, or have processes in place, as necessary, to involve other authorities, so that timely decisions can be reached with regard to handling of survivors” (MSC.167(78), art 6.4).
• A RCC “should make every effort to minimize the time survivors remain on board the assisting ship” (MSC.167(78), art 6.8).
• A RCC “shall have available up-to-date information especially concerning search and rescue facilities and available communications relevant to search and rescue operations in its area” (SAR Convention, art 4.2.1).

Ocean Viking informs LYJRCC by email, with ITMRCC, MTJRCC in copy, that she cannot proceed to disembarkation in Tripoli (Libya) due to the fact that Libyan ports do not conform to the definition of Place Of Safety.

Ocean Viking sends an email to LYJRCC, copying ITMRCC and MTJRCC, to request a Place of Safety for the 104 survivors

Ocean Viking sends an email to LYJRCC, copying ITMRCC and MTJRCC, to inform of rescue completion.

It’s part of the duties of the Master to inform the RCC responsible for the SRR about the evolution of the situation : “keep the RCC informed about conditions, assistance needed, and actions taken or planned for the survivors (see paragraph 6.10 regarding other information the RCC may wish to obtain);” 

Ocean Viking informs by email JRCC Libya (copying ITMRCC, MTJRCC and EUNAVFOR MED) about the distress situation

Ocean Viking sends email to LYJRCC  (copying ITMRCC, MTJRCC and EUNAVFOR MED) about rubber boat and intention to investigate:

” … Ocean Viking spotted a rubber boat in the water, possibly in distress … The boat is overcrowded and people have no lifejacket …
Ocean Viking is going to launch our RHIBs and investigate
We will keep you updated“

Ocean Viking spots black rubber boat and alters course for further investigation

Dear Sir,
We acknowledge receipt of your indication of Tripoli – Libya as POS to disembark the survivors on board MV Ocean Viking.
 
As you know, under the International Convention on maritime search and rescue to which Libya is a state party, a rescue is only considered as completed once rescued people have been disembarked in a place of safety (As define in the Annex to the 1979 SAR Convention, paragraph 1.3.2 and in the International Maritime Organization 2004 Rescue Guidelines)
 
It is within this framework that the European Commission and United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees issued clear positions stating that currently Libya does not meet the criteria for being designated as a