ONBOARD SOS MEDITERRANEE Activities and observations of our rescue ship in the Central Mediterranean
May 9, 2023
13:41

Ocean Viking calls MTRCC to ask for an update on an open distress case reported earlier by Alarm Phone. Answer is that duty officer is busy and asks to send an email.

April 28, 2023
April 27, 2023
April 20, 2023
23:48

Ocean Viking receives an email from ‘Watch The Med – Alarm Phone’ with an updated position for the boat in distress and with a report that the boat is out of fuel and drifting.

05:40

Ocean Viking sends an email to Malta RCC to update about the distress case. Ocean Viking is proceeding towards the boat in distress, about 90NM away, ready to provide first assistance.

February 14, 2023
07:00

Ocean Viking RHIBs are being launched for closer assessment of the rubber boat possibly in distress.

February 5, 2023
21:23

After several attempts to obtain coordination of the SAR event from MTRCC via Satellite Phone, Ocean Viking sends an email to MTRCC and ITMRCC seeking information and coordination of the reported distress case. 

January 25, 2023
19:10

Ocean Viking informs LYJRCC of the end of the unsuccessful search via email.

15:30

Ocean Viking reports the situation to LYJRCC via email.

15:25

Ocean Viking calls LYJRCC to report the situation. No answer.

07:13

Ocean Viking is in copy of an email sent by Geo Barents to LYJRCC, ITMRCC and MTRCC informing that she is initiating search for the last reported boat in distress alerted to by Alarm Phone.

January 7, 2023
07:08

Ocean Viking launches RHIBs to assess the situation.

January 6, 2023
23:45

Ocean Viking calls ITMRCC to seek information on the distress case. Duty officer informs that a vessel is engaged in the search.

22:55

Ocean Viking tries multiple times to contact MTRCC, to no avail.

October 26, 2022
October 25, 2022
20:40

Ocean Viking contacts MTRCC through Sat phone to ask information about the case and ask if other vessels are dispatched to respond to it. MTRCC responds that Ocean Viking seems to be the nearest vessel and instructs Ocean Viking to proceed towards the last known location and to keep the RCC informed.

October 22, 2022
August 27, 2022
12:50

Ocean Viking alerts course towards the reported distress position.

August 26, 2022
15:02

Ocean Viking informs MTRCC of her intention to proceed towards the reported distress case, 50NM away and assist.

August 25, 2022
19:32

Ocean Viking resumes navigation sailing towards another potential distress case and awaits further instructions.

12:15

Ocean Viking informs LYJRCC Tripoli about the intention to proceed towards the target.

11:57

Ocean Viking receives a distress relay from the sailing vessel Nadir about a rubber boat in distress.

05:42

Ocean Viking resumes navigation and awaits further instructions.

04:18

Ocean Viking spots a wooden boat close to the Ocean Viking, possibly in distress.

August 24, 2022
16:54

Ocean Viking spots a wooden boat, half submerged.

15:54

Ocean Viking spots a Libyan Coastguard patrol vessel heading south on her port side.

12:36

Ocean Viking alters course towards the last known distress position and increases speed.

July 27, 2022
21:05

Ocean Viking sends an email to Malta RCC, with ITMRCC in copy, to inform about the situation.

19:50

Ocean Viking calls Malta RCC to ask for further information on the distress case. Duty officer copies the information and answers that Malta RCC has not updates on the case.

16:40

Ocean Viking sends an email to MTRCC, with ITMRCC in copy, to inform about the situation.

16:00

Ocean Viking calls via Satellite Phone the Malta RCC to inform about the situation. The duty officer requests to send an email.

July 25, 2022
14:30

Ocean Viking sends an email to Tripoli JRCC, with MTRCC and ITMRCC in copy, to inform about the situation.

14:15

Ocean Viking receives a VHF contact from aircraft ‘Osprey2’ relaying a Mayday for an embarkation in distress. Ocean Viking replies that she will proceed with all possible speed toward the distress case.

10:28

Ocean Viking sends an email to Tripoli JRCC, with MTRCC and ITMRCC in copy, to inform about the situation.

10:25

Ocean Viking launches the Rhibs to investigate the situation.

10:18

Ocean Viking calls Tripoli JRCC via Satellite Phone. An operator answers and copies all the information.

10:10

Ocean Viking spots a boat on the horizon, possibly in distress.

09:20

Ocean Viking calls Tripoli JRCC via Satellite Phone. No answer.

July 24, 2022
18:00

Ocean Viking sends an email to Tripoli JRCC, with MTRCC and ITMRCC in copy, to update about the situation.

17:50

Ocean Viking spots a rubber boat, possibly in distress. Rhibs are launched to assess the situation.

17:00

Ocean Viking sends an email to Tripoli JRCC, with MTRCC and ITMRCC in copy, to update about the situation.

16:43

Ocean Viking alters course and heads to the distress case, at about 20NM away.

16:30

Ocean Viking calls Tripoli JRCC via Satellite Phone. No answer.

15:49

Ocean Viking is in copy of an email from Alarm Phone to the relevant authorities alerting to a boat in distress. 

13:02

Ocean Viking sends an email to Tripoli JRCC, with MTRCC and ITMRCC in copy, to update about the situation.

13:00

Ocean Viking calls Tripoli JRCC via Sat Phone. No answer.

09:30

Ocean Viking informs via email the LYJRCC to inform about the open case.

09:20

Ocean Viking calls LYJRCC to ask updates about the case. Authorities copy the open case.

08:54

Ocean Viking alters her course to the last known position of the distress case.

08:40

Ocean Viking is in copy of an email from Alarm Phone to the relevant authorities alerting to a boat in distress. 

July 4, 2022
17:43

Ocean Viking receives an email from Alarm Phone with an updated position of the boat in distress.

July 2, 2022
21:57

Ocean Viking calls Maridive 601 nearby Miskar platform to ask if they can see the boat in distress. They have a visual.

July 1, 2022
00:20

The characteristics of the rescued distress boat do not match with the case reported by the airplane “Seabird” in the Mayday relay call previously listened on VHF channel 16. Ocean Viking resumes search operation.

June 30, 2022
23:40

Ocean Viking calls MTRCC to report about the search of the opened distress case. The duty officer asks to reach them by email to communicate information regarding the situation.

23:30

Ocean Viking spots a boat, possibly in distress.

23:05

Ocean Viking spots a very weak echo on radar about 2NM distance, with no speed, without correspondence with any lights in the horizon. Ocean Viking alters the course toward the echo position to investigate.

21:32

Ocean Viking receives an update email from “Aircraft Seabird” about opened distress case.

21:05

Ocean Viking sends an email to MTRCC to inform on the situation.

20:52

Ocean Viking calls MTRCC to report about the search of the opened distress case. The duty officer asks to reach them by email to communicate information regarding the situation.

12:45

Ocean Viking sends an email to the LYJRCC with MTRCC and ITMRCC to update on the situation.

12:43

Ocean Viking calls LYJRCC via Satellite phone. No answer.

12:40

Ocean Viking spots a wooden boat in the water, possibly in distress.

12:00

Ocean Viking spots an echo on radar and alters the course towards the radar echo.

09:55

Ocean Viking sends an email to LYJRCC with MTRCC and ITMRCC to inform them about the opened distress case.

09:50

Ocean Viking calls LYJRCC via Satellite phone. No answer.

09:11

Ocean Viking is in copy of an email from Alarm Phone to the relevant authorities alerting to a boat in distress with ~50 people on board. 

09:11

Ocean Viking alters her course to the last known position of the distress case.

June 27, 2022
09:05

Ocean Viking resumes navigation.

07:18

Ocean Viking calls via Satellite phone the MTRCC on three different numbers to update about the situation. No answer.

07:10

Ocean Viking spots from the bridge a rubber boat in the water, possibly in distress.

June 26, 2022
16:20

Ocean Viking resumes navigation.

15:02

Ocean Viking emails LYJRCC to update about the situation.

14:55

Ocean Vikings spots a rubber boat in the water from the bridge, possibly in distress. Three RHIBS are launched to investigate the situation.

14:10

Ocean Viking informs via email LYJRCC about the situation.

14:06

Ocean Viking calls the LYJRCC. The communication is broken.

14:05

Ocean Viking alters course heading to the target.

June 25, 2022
16:32

Ocean Viking sends an email to the LYJRCC with MTRCC and ITMRCC to update on the situation.

16:20

Ocean Viking spots a rubber boat in the water and launchs RHIBS to investigate. The team onboard the RHIBS finds an empty rubber boat adrift.

16:19

Ocean Viking is in copy of an email from Alarm Phone with updated GPS coordinate of the reported distress case.

14:38

Ocean Viking calls LYJRCC via Satellite phone. No answer.

14:31

Ocean Viking alters her course to the last known position of the distress case.

June 24, 2022
16:22

Ocean Viking informs Libyan maritime authorities about the situation.

16:15

Ocean Viking spots a boat possibly in distress in the Libyan SRR.

April 26, 2022
21:50

Ocean Viking resumes navigation.

18:26

Ocean Viking acknowledges the message by email and informs maritime authorities about her intention to proceed towards the target.

18:15

Ocean Viking is in copy of an email from Alarm Phone alerting LYJRCC to a boat in distress in the Libyan SRR.

April 25, 2022
08:05

Ocean Viking has a visual contact with a boat potentially in distress.

07:54

Ocean Viking acknowledges the message by email and informs the maritime authorities about her intention to proceed towards the target.

07:42

Ocean Viking is in copy of an email from Alarm Phone to LYJRCC alerting to a boat in distress.

April 24, 2022
11:59

Ocean Viking informs via email JRCC Tripoli that she is proceeding towards the distress position. No reply.

March 25, 2022
14:31

Ocean Viking sends an email to LYJRCC, with MTRCC and ITMRCC in copy, informing of visual contact with a rubber boat possibly in distress.

14:27

Ocean Viking has visual contact with a boat appearing to be in distress in the position indicated by the aircraft.

14:00

Ocean Viking sends an email to LYJRCC, with MTRCC and ITMRCC in copy, informing that she is proceeding toward the reported distress position.

13:50

Ocean Viking tries to call LYJRCC via satellite phone, no answer.

13:20

Ocean Viking alters course heading towards the reported distress case.

13:14

Ocean Viking is in copy of an email from Alarm Phone to LYJRCC alerting to a boat in distress in Libyan SRR.

March 24, 2022
09:58

Ocean Viking informs JRCC via email, with ITMRCC and MTRCC in copy, of the potential distress case and intention to launch the RHIBS to investigate.

09:45

Ocean Viking calls JRCC Tripoli, no answer.

09:40

Ocean Viking altered course heading to the distress case.

09:33

Ocean Viking spots a wooden boat, possibly in distress, during lookout from the bridge.

February 14, 2022
12:00

Ocean Viking informs LYJRCC of her visual on potential distress case via email, with MTRCC and ITMRCC in copy and on her intention to investigate further.

11:38

Ocean Viking informs LYJRCC via email, with MTRCC and ITMRCC in copy, of her altered course towards the reported distress position.

February 13, 2022
09:07

Ocean Viking informs MTRCC via email, with ITMRCC in copy, that she altered course towards reported distress position.

February 12, 2022
23:54

Ocean Viking calls aircraft “Eagle 2” on VHF Channel 16 on scene to coordinate the search operation.

September 20, 2021
September 19, 2021
10:31

Ocean Viking sends an email to JRCC Tripoli, with ITMRCC and RCC Malta in copy, to inform that she is heading to the last reported position of the two distress cases.

10:20

Ocean Viking calls JRCC Tripoli via Satellite Phone to report the situation. JRCC Tripoli does not answer the phone.

September 18, 2021
10:58

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

10:56

Ocean Viking receives an email from Pilotes Volontaires (addressed to MT RCC and IT MRCC) requesting assistance for a boat in distress, same distress case reported by Seabird.

10:32

Ocean Viking calls JRCC Tripoli via Satellite Phone to report the distress case. JRCC Tripoli does not answer the phone.

July 26, 2021
13:05

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

12:19

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

10:40

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

10:37

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

01:07

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

00:39

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

00:18

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

00:15

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

00:03

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

July 25, 2021
23:50

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

23:47

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

23:44

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

23:17

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

23:14

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

22:48

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

22:44

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

22:06

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

21:58

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

21:33

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

21:30

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

21:23

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

19:27

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

17:57

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

July 4, 2021
21:55

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

18:07

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

10:47

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

05:34

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

02:46

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

July 3, 2021
20:01

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

July 2, 2021
18:00

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

July 1, 2021
19:03

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

15:42

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

13:47

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

April 22, 2021
12:45

Ocean Viking alters course to the shipwreck. Ocean Viking position: 33 36.2 N 013 24.6 E. 13 NM to the position of the shipwreck.

12:34

Frontex aircraft Osprey3 informs M/V MY ROSE and the other vessels of the position of the shipwreck via VHF CH 16 (grey rubber boat in position 33 44.44N 013 37.57E).

12:24

M/V MY ROSE informs Frontex aircraft Osprey3 via VHF CH 16 that she has visual on 3 bodies in pos 33 34N 013 37E.

08:55

Ocean Viking calls the Frontex office via satellite phone asking for aerial support in the distress area.

April 21, 2021
21:52

Ocean Viking receives an email from Alarm Phone informing that the people on board are now without battery on their Thuraya phone (Case AP 182). The last call was too short to ask for a new position.

17:50

As Ocean Viking has not succeeded in finding the first distress case (AP 181), she is now proceeding towards distress case AP 182 and informs relevant authorities. The last known position of AP 182 is 121 NM away from the Ocean Viking’s position.

17:16

Ocean Viking receives an updated position of a boat in distress (case AP 182) from Alarm Phone.

16:16

Ocean Viking receives from an updated position of a boat in distress (case AP 182) from Alarm Phone.

13:58

Ocean Viking alters course going back to the latest known position of case AP 181 to start a new search pattern.

January 22, 2021
09:28

Ocean Viking is heading towards the last known position of the third reported distress case.

June 26, 2020
23:50

Ocean Viking alters her course and leaves the area.

23:25

Ocean Viking calls M/V Mare Jonio. M/V Mare Jonio informs she will remain in the area to investigate the wreck. Ocean Viking informs she will leave the scene.

23:18

Ocean Viking overhears M/V Mare Jonio’s VHF call to LYCG asking to confirm rescue and dead bodies. LYCG answer they have rescued more than 70 people and that the situation is under control.

22:00

Ocean Viking is 46.5 NM from the target, proceeding at a speed of 12.3 kn.

21:29

Ocean Viking calls M/V Mare Jonio asking for updated information about the distress case. M/V Mare Jonio sees LYCG patrol vessel on the radar.

21:24

Ocean Viking calls ITMRCC asking for updated information about the distress case. ITMRCC’s answer is to contact Libyan coastguard

20:51

Ocean Viking overhears M/V Mare Jonio’s attempt to contact Libyan coastguard via VHF, no answer

18:12

Ocean Viking is copied in an email from Alarm Phone to LYJRCC asking to confirm launch of SAR operation by LYJRCC and informing about report of newborn baby onboard the boat in distress

16:24

Ocean Viking is copied in an email from M/V Mare Jonio informing that she is proceeding towards the boat in distress (ETA: 23:30CEST)

16:15

Ocean Viking is copied in an email from Alarm Phone to ITMRCC about report of 8 deceased people onboard the boat in distress

13:19

Ocean Viking informs via email, LYJRCC, ITMRCC and MTRCC that she will proceed towards reported boat in distress (ETA: 00:00Zulu)

12:45

Ocean Viking calls ITMRCC to inform she will proceed towards reported boat in distress

February 19, 2020
February 18, 2020
January 27, 2020
January 26, 2020
21:02

Ocean Viking in position 34° 11.5’ N 013° 46.1’ E has visual contact with some lights and also Radar contact to 1.5 nautical miles with the probably boat in distress

17:53

Ocean Viking asks by phone MTMRCC if there is any updated position for the distress cases. Doesn’t get any answer because the duty officer is very busy

14:36

Libyan Coast Guard replied to the previous email informing they do not have a current possibility for any rescue operation

January 25, 2020
03:46

Ocean Viking (in psn 33° 14.6’N 012°31.5’E ) has visual on some lights from the reported boat in distress and also radar contact

January 24, 2020
02:50

Ocean Viking (in psn 33° 16.5’N 012°46.8’E) has visual contact with some lights from the boat in distress

January 23, 2020
January 19, 2020
January 18, 2020
January 17, 2020
03:44

Ocean Viking launches her first RIHB

02:46

Ocean Viking calls by phone to the 3 numbers of Libyan Join Rescue Coordination Center, but there was no answer

02:44

Ocean Viking receives an email from the Alarm Phone, updating the position of the boat in distress

02:26

Ocean Viking receives an email from the Alarm Phone, updating the number of people on the boat

January 1, 2020
December 31, 2019
December 20, 2019
December 1, 2019
November 30, 2019
12:45

Ocean Viking calls LNCG on VHF and receives no response

12:40

Ocean Viking calls LYJRCC on four different numbers and receives no response

November 29, 2019
November 21, 2019
November 20, 2019
October 18, 2019
October 13, 2019
02:29

Attempt to call a Floating Storage Unit, no reply

02:27

Attempt to call Asso Ventinove on VHF, no reply

October 12, 2019
21:06

The FPSO at al Jurf Oilfied and Ocean Viking exchange information about rubber boat

October 9, 2019
08:53

Ocean Viking spots small wooden boat adrift

October 8, 2019
11:54

2nd helicopter returns to Lampedusa

09:58

2nd SAR helicopter is on-scene

07:48

SAR helicopter is on-scene

October 7, 2019
August 13, 2019
August 12, 2019
11:10

Ocean Viking alters course towards the potential boat in distress position

August 11, 2019
10:40

Ocean Viking calls EU patrol aircraft on VHF informing about potential target

10:37

Ocean viking calls Libyan JRCC by satellite phone but receives no response

09:13

Ocean Viking alters course towards the position of the EU patrol aircraft

09:00

Ocean Viking observes EU patrol aircraft circling on the radar

August 10, 2019
10:31

First visual contact with a white rubber boat

10:05

Ocean Viking alters course heading north towards the search area at a speed of 9 knots

August 9, 2019
01:37

Ocean Viking spots flash lights in the water and launches the 2 rhibs at sea

00:38

Ocean Viking calls Libyan JRCC by satellite phone and VHF but receives no response

August 8, 2019
September 24, 2018
September 23, 2018
02:48

Aquarius continues search, heads South east, course 150°, speed 9 knots

August 12, 2018
August 10, 2018
August 9, 2018