Ocean Viking in position: 35 01 N 016 39 E, COG 060, SOG 10.4kts

Ocean Viking swiftly alters course heading towards the target, about 3NM away, for further assessment and ready to provide first assistance.

Ocean Viking position 33 12 N 014 16 E

Ocean Viking position: 33 13 N 014 14 E

While on course towards the reported distress position, Ocean Viking establishes contact with the ship VSC Triton, in the vicinity of the reported boat in distress. VSC Triton informs Ocean Viking that she is requested by Malta RCC to investigate the reported distress case and provide a situation report. 

Unable to obtain instruction from Malta RCC, Ocean Viking keeps proceeding towards the reported distress position. 

Ocean Viking position: 34 15.2 N 014 03.3 E 

Ocean Viking position 33 24.9 N 013 59.0 E.

Patrol vessel 660 and Patrol vessel 648 are in the vicinity of Ocean Viking.

Ocean Viking tries to establish communication on VHF ch16 to request cooperation for the search. No answer.

Ocean Viking position: 33 28.5 N 014 00.5 E

No clear reported distress position.

Ocean Viking position: 33 31 N 014 02 E

Updated distress position: 33 34 N 014 00 E

Boat stationary, unstable, engine stopped, low/minimal freeboard, pontoons bending with lot of pressure.

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

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

The duty officer replies to call MTRCC, despite Ocean Viking informing Italian duty officer of the failed previous attempts to contact Maltese RCC.

Ocean viking position: 33 31N 012 28E

Distress position: 35 12N 011 57E

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.

The position given by the NATO Maritime Patrol Aircraft appears to match with the distress case that Ocean Viking was already responding to.

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.

The mayday relay is reporting a boat in distress in position 34 57 N 015 03 E. MV Ocean Viking in position 34 03 N 014 14 E is responding to the alert.

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.

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 in position 33 32.0N 012 22.6E

Ocean Viking position: 34 56.7N 012 21.3E

Ocean Viking position 35 03.9N 012 17.8E.

Distress phase: the boats and its occupants are threatened by grave and imminent danger and require immediate assistance.

DC585 – Reported distress position: 3455N 01212E

Ocean Viking position: 34 48.7N 012 33.0E

Ocean Viking is approximately 22NM away from the reported distress position.

Ocean Viking position: in position 35 04.3N 012 39.7E

Distress phase: the boat and its occupants are threatened by grave and imminent danger and require immediate assistance.

The possible distress position is 50NM away from Ocean Viking’s position.

Ocean Viking is about 50NM away from the reported distress position.

Ocean Viking position: 34 21.1N 013 11.3E.

Ocean Viking position: 34 14.6N 013 14.8E

Updated reported distress position: 34 59.0N 012 34.0E

On scene, SV Astral assessed the situation and partially distributed lifejackets.

Distress phase: the boat and its occupants are threatened by grave and imminent danger and require immediate assistance.

Distress phase: the boat and its occupants are threatened by grave and imminent danger and require immediate assistance.

Ocean Viking position: 34 44.5 N 012 39.3 E

Ocean Viking is 40 NM away from the reported distress position.

“Ocean Viking found an empty blue wooden boat without engine, adrift in the vicinity of the last known position. Ocean Viking resumes the navigation.”

Ocean Viking bridge estimates probable that this boat was the one searched for and reported in distress by Alarm Phone (AP 719)

Ocean Viking is approximately 45NM away from the last 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.

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.

Situation is assessed with 3 RHIBs: the rubber boat is unseaworthy, overcrowded, with about 80 people on board, no lifejackets, children, women, all exposed to the elements. The people on board are in danger and the distress phase exists.

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 is going to launch the RHIBs and investigate the case.

The rubber boat is unseaworthy, adrift for hours, quickly deteriorating, with about 15 people on board. The people on board are in danger and its ascertained that the Distress phase exists.

Ocean Viking in position 35 56 N 013 18E. 60NM from the reported location.

Ocean Viking in position 34 32 N 011 45 E, 12 nautical miles away from the platform.

Alarm Phone reports that the people in distress can see an oil platform with a ship nearby. The description corresponds to the Miskar Platform 34 22 N 011 52 E. The ship Maridive 601 is near the platform.

Ocean Viking in position 34 53 N 012 03 E, ETA 3 hours from the updated position.

Ocean Viking in position 35 14 N 012 41 E, ETA 5 hours.

The boat is adrift, unseaworthy, very low freeboard, with about 15 person on board seeking for help. The people on board are in danger.

The fiber boat is unseaworthy, rolling dangerously on the sea, no lifejackets, all exposed to the elements. The people on board are in danger and the Distress phase exists.

The rubber boat is unseaworthy, overcrowded, with about 80 people on board, no lifejackets, all exposed to the elements.

Distress phase: the boat and its occupants are threatened by grave and imminent danger and require immediate assistance.

The rubber boat is unseaworthy, overcrowded, with about 100 people on board, no lifejackets, children, women, all exposed to the elements.

Colibri 2 aircraft from Pilotes Volontaires, flying in the area, confirms via VHF that there is a rubber boat in distress.

The rubber boat is unseaworthy, overcrowded with approximately 100 people on board, taking water. People do not wear lifejackets, all are exposed to the elements.

The coordinates were matching the last reported distress position sent by Alarm Phone.

The reported distress position is approx 16NM from Ocean Viking.

Ocean Viking in position: 34 59N 012 36E

Ocean Viking in position 34 57.2 N 012 39.3 E.

Ocean Viking in position 34 38.7 N 012 32.0 E

Ocean Viking alters her course, heading to the second distress case.

Two boats reported in distress are about 15NM away from Ocean Viking.

Ocean Viking position: 34 19.2N 012 26.9E (ETA approx. 11:30 to the distress case).

Updated reported distress position: 34 41 332 N 014 43 011 E

Updated distress position: 33 57 N 12 02 E

Updated distress position: 33 50N 011 58E (at 18:36 CEST), heading North.

Ocean Viking position: 34 04N 012 36.5E

Ocean Viking position 34 34.1 N 012 44.1 E

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.

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

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 in position: 34 05.3’N 011 59E

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

Colibri2 informs Ocean Viking of her intention to continue flying over the distress boat to witness the situation.

Ocean Viking position: 34 17.8N 012 00.6E (17NM away from the 2nd distress case).

Reported updated position of the first distress case (at 15:58pm): 34 12N 011 41E (LYSRR)

Reported updated position of the second distress case (at 16:05pm): 34 20N 011 40E (MTSRR – wooden boat with about 80-90 people on board)

Ocean Viking (in position 34 17.8N 012 00.6E) is heading towards the second case (17NM away)

Updated distress position: 34 17 N 011 41 E

Reported distress position: 34 14N 011 44E (about 30NM from Ocean Viking)

Reported distress position: 34 14 N 011 44 E (35 NM away from Ocean Viking). Ocean Viking alerts her course towards the distress position.

Ocean Viking is about 45 NM away from the reported distress position.

OV position: 34-16.8N 012-10.8E

Ocean viking position: 33 30.4 N 013 53.0 E

Sea State: 6; Wind: 6.

Ocean Viking calls via VHF CH 16/6 ALK and MY ROSE asking for an update situation. No updates.

While patrolling in the Libyan SRR (OV position: 33°21.65’N 012°18.65’E), Ocean Viking spots a potential boat in distress with binoculars. 

Ocean Viking position: 33°21.65’N 012°18.65’E 

Ocean Viking receives an email sent by Colibri aircraft, addressed to LYJRCC, ITMRCC and MTJRCC, with Alarm Phone, Sea-Watch airborne operations and Ocean VIking in copy, informing of visual contact made with a blue wooden boat with about 50 (visible) people onboard.  

Reported position: 33N 19 / 12E 36 

Ocean Viking position: 33°27.82’N 012°56.43’E 

Ocean Viking position: 33°27.8’N 012°55’E 

Ocean Viking sends an email to LYJRCC, with ITMRCC, MTJRCC and Alarm Phone in copy, to inform that her course and speed have been altered to investigate the distress cases. 

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 09:45, the Ocean Viking reaches by VHF a ship closer to the estimated target position to ask if she has a visual contact with a wooden boat. The ship replies negatively, saying that she is close to Sabratha Platform and that no wooden boats are in sight.

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 08:08, the Ocean Viking receives an email that was addressed to JRCC Tripoli, with Alarm Phone and Airborne in copy. In this communication, Sea Watch 3 informs that they will respond to the rubber boat distress call.

Alarm Phone Case 1 AP 19.02

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

At 16:10, the Ocean Viking deploys her two rescue boats (RHIBs). All three vessels proceed towards the target for further assessment.

The assessment establishes that the rubber boat is overcrowded, with approximately 100 persons on board and that all are exposed to the elements but none are equipped with life-jackets.

Ocean Viking Position at 16:20: 33°33.8’N 012°20.6’E

At 15:56, the Ocean Viking sends an email to JRCC-Tripoli with Alarm Phone, and Sea-Watch 3 in copy, to inform that visual contact has been established with an overcrowded rubber boat. Because of worsening weather conditions, RHIBs are being prepared.

Ocean Viking position: 33°33.6’N 012°21.2’E

As the Ocean Viking establishes a visual contact with the target, the SAR team is preparing for rescue.

The Ocean Viking sends an email to LYJRCC with Sea-Watch 3 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 1 hour away from the reported position.

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 both RHIBs for closer assessment.

Ocean Viking Position at 07:35: 34°17.2N 012°24.5E

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 is communicating by VHF with Spanish EUNAVFOR MED maritime patrol aircraft COTOS, which confirms the position of the wooden boat in distress.

Position confirmed: 34.14°N 012.22°E

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

On position  34 27.5 N 014 09.8 E , Ocean Viking received last survivors from one of her RIHBs and all the 82 survivors are on board.

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)

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

Rubber boat in position 33 47N 014 54E with 80 people on board, 3 knots heading NNE.

Dark green dinghy in position 33 29 N 014 01 E heading NNW with 50/60 People on board, 4 knots,  is reported by Libyan Coast Guard

White rubber boat in position  33 23N 013 55E with 80 people on board, 3 knots.

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.

“ We received a new position from the people on the boat that left from Zawiyya around 10pm yesterday evening local time (24. January 2020). They say they are around 80 people (including 10 children and 20 women). The latest known position is (from 16.38 CET): 16:38 CET, N 34°41’93”, E 012°48’772″ (in the Malta SAR-Zone) They informed us that their gasoline is finished, and that the wind is increasing. They say the situation is very tense and are afraid of drowning. […]”

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

Fiberglass boat with 72 to 120 or 150 people. Departure from ZAWIYA. New position 34° 21′ E 012° 43.

Alan Kurdi is closer to the Alarm phone reported boat in distress in position 33° 25,229 N 012° 30.226′ E. Alan Kurdi is 6,7 NM, Ocean Viking is 9,7 NM. Ocean Viking is ready to render assistance in case of need.

They are urgently asking for help.”

We will keep you updated”

Ocean Viking is heading towards the position, about 8 NM away

Ocean Viking alters course accordingly

At position 33°17.8’N 012°45.5’E, with 20 knots of wind and 1.5/2.0 mts of waves, Ocean Viking received last survivors from one of her RIHBs and all 92 survivors are on board

She will remain in standby

Ocean Viking will continue to update.

Ocean Viking Position: 33° 21.7′ N 012° 42.5′ E

Noon position: 33° 19.2′N 012°46.3′E

Wind: SE beaufort 3

Sea state 3/4

Noon position: 33°32.7′N 012°36.0′E

Wind: SW beaufort 3/4

Sea state 3

Noon position: 33°21.2′N 012°40.6′E

Wind: NW beaufort 5

Sea state 3

Distress phase: the boat and its occupants are threatened by grave and imminent danger and require immediate assistance.

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

Ocean Viking (in position 33° 23.3’N  012°43.4’E ) has visual contact with the wooden boat

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

Ocean Viking alters course accordingly

All the information gathered by reaching out to Libyan JRCC, Rome MRCC, Alarm Phone and Sea-Watch 3, leads the Ocean Viking to conclude that there are no possibilities of finding the reported boat in distress.

Since the moment the boat was reportedly seen (Sunday 29th around noon), considering the weather conditions north of Al Khums (strong northerly winds), a rubber boat with no working engine (as reported to the Ocean Viking) would have drifted onto the Libyan shore after 9 to 12 hours.

While in position 33° 31.2′N 013° 17.4′E, Ocean Viking informs maritime authorities of her conclusions and that she resumes patrolling, heading West, while remaining available for any assistance that may be required.

While patrolling in the Libyan SRR in position 33° 27.2′N 012° 36.9′E, Ocean Viking receives an email at 15:31 from Alarm Phone, addressed to Italian MRCC, with Libyan maritime authorities, Ocean Viking and Sea-Watch 3 in copy, reporting a boat in distress.

“[…] we got information about a rubber boat with around 45 people on board which was around 35 km north of Al-Khums ca. 50 hours ago. The people were in distress. […]“

Ocean Viking alters her course towards the reported distress area (about 92 NM away from her) and tries to gather more information regarding the distress case.

Ocean Viking receives an email from Alarm Phone (addressed to Maltese and Italian RCCs as well) reporting a distress call from a wooden boat

While patrolling in the Libyan SRR in position 33-27.2N   012-04.3E, Ocean Viking receives two emails from  SeaWatch Airborne Operations (sent at 12h54 and 13h43, addressed to Maltese and Italian RCCs as well, but only received at 14h25) reporting a wooden boat spotted by Moonbird patrol airplane. The wooden boat is reported to be in distress. Last reported position 34-09’N 012-26’E, course 020, speed 8 knots. Ocean Viking alters course towards the target.

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 is in position 34°22.1′ N, 012°45.6′ E , sailing at a speed of 3 knots

• Wind: 11 knots
• Swell: 0.5 meter
• Sea state: 3

Upon completion of her search, Easy 1 is recovered and secured. Ocean Viking resumes navigation

Ocean Viking launches Easy 1 to investigate debris of black rubber boat

Ocean Viking spots debris of black rubber boat and alters course for investigation

Easy 1 is back on deck and secured. Ocean Viking resumes navigation

Ocean Viking spots several lifejackets on the water and stops in position 33°31.3’N 012°17.0’E for further investigation. Easy 1 is launched, carries out a search pattern and finds debris of a black rubber boat.

Ocean Viking stops at 33°36.4’N 012°35.6’E to investigate debris of rubber boat

Ocean Viking calls merchant vessel on VHF and informs about search for rubber boat.

Ocean Viking calls merchant vessel on VHF and informs about search for rubber boat.

LNCG calls Ocean Viking on VHF to inform that patrol boat Fezzan intercepted rubber boat in distress. No further assistance from Ocean Viking is required

Ocean Viking calls LYJRCC on phone and provides her updated position. LYJRCC informs Ocean Viking that LNCG patrol boat Fezzan is underway to intercept rubber boat in distress. Ocean Viking offers assistance and receives order to remain on stand by.

Ocean Viking sends email to LYJRCC and informs that she will proceed towards reported boat in distress:

” … Please be advised that Ocean Viking is proceeding to this location, N 33-0141 E 13-49 21. We are currently about 5hrs away. Ocean Viking has been patrolling to the west of Tripoli and to the south of the oil fields. Due to the presence of other vessels in this area that would be able to assist with rescues if needed Ocean Viking is proceeding east. Ocean Viking will remain outside of Libyan territorial waters at all times. 

Any assistance in coordinating this SAR event is much appreciated. Ocean Viking will continue to update this RCC and we are standing by for any further information. “

Legal reference:

“The Master of a ship at sea which is in a position to be able to provide assistance, on receiving information from any source that persons are in distress at sea, is bound to proceed with all speed to their assistance, if possible informing them or the search and rescue service that the ship is doing so. This obligation to provide assistance applies regardless of the nationality or status of such persons or the circumstances in which they are found …” (Source: SOLAS Ch V Reg 33.1)

Ocean Viking is copied in an email from Alarm Phone to LYJRCC informing about a boat in distress. The reported position of the boat is approximately 60 nm away. Ocean Viking alters course and proceeds towards the target

Upon entering the Libyan Search and Rescue Region, Ocean Viking sends a notice to the LYJRCC, informing of the vessel’s readiness to conduct SAR operations. ITMRCC and MTJRCC are also informed. Ocean Viking additionally provides the vessel’s technical specifications.

Ocean Viking calls EUNAVFOR MED plane on VHF and exchanges information regarding boat in distress. EUNAVFOR MED plane does not have any new information.

Ocean Viking calls LNCG and requests further information about target. LNCG has no further information

Ocean Viking commences search pattern and continue the search during all night

Ocean Viking sends e-mail to LYJRCC and reports empty wooden boat in position 35°45’N 013°58’E. 

Ocean Viking proceeds towards South.

Easy 1 is in water and approaches wooden boat. Wooden boat is found empty and marked “02 Oct 2019 312”. Easy 1 returns to Ocean Viking

Upon entering the Libyan Search and Rescue Region, Ocean Viking sends a notice to the Libyan JRCC, informing of the vessel’s readiness to conduct SAR operations. Italian MRCC, Maltese MRCC and EUNAVFOR Med are also informed. Ocean Viking additionally provides the vessel’s technical specification.

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°18.6’N – 012°11.7’E
Proceeding with COG 133°  SOG 6.5 kts, remaining in international water at all times.

MV Ocean Viking

Ocean Viking alters course to 180° and leaves the area due to weather conditions.

A sharp lookout is maintained at all times.

Circomare Lampedusa and ITMRCC are informed accordingly

Ocean Viking suspends search pattern due to bad weather (wind NNE 40 kn, wave height ~4 m) and continues search within the area

Ocean Viking keeps ITMRCC informed via e-mail

Circomare Lampedusa  instructs Ocean Viking to search again in same area with different search pattern

Ocean Viking calls Circomare Lampedusa on VHF and reports completion of search pattern and requests further instructions

Ocean Viking arrives at 35°13’N and 012°38’E and starts with search pattern at designated area

Moonbird informs Ocean Viking that it has carried out search pattern. No survivors have been found

Moonbird calls Ocean Viking on VHF and offers assistance. Search coordinates are exchanged and Moonbird commences search for survivors

Ocean Viking receives VHF call from Circomare Lampedusa (Coast Guard) and is requested to participate in on-going SAR operations south of Lampedusa.

The search coordinates given are 35°13’N 012°38’E, 35°22N 012°48’E, 35°19N 012°52’E, 35°11’N 012°42’E.

EUNAVFOR Med informs Ocean Viking about today LCG interceptions in the area of interest. EUNAVFOR Med also informs Ocean Viking that EU patrol aircrafts did not spot any rubber boat in this area after the interceptions operated by LCG during the day

Ocean Viking is looking for the potential second rubber boat that left Libya 2 days ago, while requesting a port of safety.

Ocean Viking receives information from survivors onboard the vessel, rescued today, about another possible rubber boat that might have left Libya shore on Sunday night. Ocean Viking is heading towards the area to investigate

Ocean Viking sends email to LYJRCC, copying ITMRCC, MTJRCC and EUNAVFOR Med

Ocean Viking is heading towards a potential boat in distress in the Maltese SRR. Ocean Viking has a visual contact with another rubber boat potentially in distress at position 33°26.6’N 013°51.5’E

ITCG are informed about the boat in distress that is currently in the maltese SRR. ITCG says they are going to inform RCC Malta about the distress case.

ITMRCC says they will investigate and call back if assistance is needed

Ocean Viking has a first visual contact when at position 33°27.05’N, 013°53.14’E

Ocean Viking sends email to LYJRCC, copying ITMRCC and MTJRCC and EUNAVFOR Med informing about a distress case requiring immediate assistance.

Ocean Viking informs that LYJRCC does not respond to the call by VHF or telephone

Ocean Viking receives a second email from the NGO Alarm Phone, informing ITMRCC and MTJRCC of a possible alternative position of the boat in distress mentioned in the previous communication. Ocean Viking is in copy again.

Call on VHF to Patrol boat Al Khifa. Patrol boat al Khifa responds. Aquarius informs that it is altering to the south to conduct a search pattern. Patrol boat Al Khifa gives green light to conduct search pattern. Patrol boat Al Khifa is 3 NM from Aquarius’ stern.

Libyan JRCC requests by email to Aquarius to “continue for the search in North direction, keeping us informed”

Email from Aquarius to Libyan JRCC, with MTJRCC, ITMRCC and EUNAVFOR MED in copy:

“Dear Sir,
Good copy sir. Aquarius will continue to search. Our current pos. is 34-06.3N 012-04.2E searching to the north for the time being. If no joy we will start another search pattern. One of my RHIBs has investigated several fishing vessels in the area. On two occasions the fishermen said that they had seen the boat heading North.”

Legal reference

[the Master should] 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); [click here for the legal reference]

The LNCG informs Aquarius that “at the moment We don’t have any more information about SAR case 661. Continue the search, We are looking for White small fiber boat with 10 people on board. Last known position was near White and blue fishing vessel.”

Aquarius completed the search pattern and returns to the patrolling area North of Zuwarah, at 24 nautical miles from the Libyan coast.

Aquarius starts an expanding square search pattern.

Legal references

“Any search and rescue unit receiving information of a distress incident shall initially take immediate action if in the position to assist and shall, in any case without delay, notify the rescue co-ordination centre or rescue subcentre in whose area the incident has occurred.” [Click for legal reference]