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

Ocean Viking position: 36 10.8N 015 30E

MEDEVAC position: 35 19.09N 012 48.8E

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

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

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

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

On behalf of Pozzallo Harbour Master, the port agent informs the Ocean Viking that it should head to position 36°30’N, Long. 014°39’E and wait for radio contact from the MV CP325. The ship is requested to keep 15 miles off Italian national waters and is not authorized to enter Italian territorial waters.

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

Ocean Viking resumes sea passage towards East of Sicily in order to seek shelter from the bad weather expected in the area.

Risk assessment results in no-go for transfer operation, because of the sea-state.

Agreed that vessels will stop at rendezvous point and assess situation for transfer operation.

Easy 1 is recovered after all crew is back on board. Ocean Viking proceeds to a safe distance from the oilfield

Supply ship calls Ocean Viking on VHF and request an update on planned transfer. Ocean Viking informs supply ship that she is not allowed to transfer survivors without official written instruction provided by competent maritime authorities

Representatives of SOS Mediterranee, MSF and medics visit supply ship to offer assistance and medical care if required.

Ocean Viking calls supply ship on VHF and informs on pending authorisation of planned transfer by various maritime authorities

Ocean Viking calls LYJRCC on phone. LYJRCC does not authorise transfer of survivors, but leaves it up to both Masters to coordinate

Offshore supply ship calls Ocean Viking on VHF and asks for a transfer of survivors from supply ship to Ocean Viking

Offshore platform calls Ocean Viking on VHF and gives position of supply ship. Ocean Viking alters course accordingly

More information to follow soon

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

A recount of disembarcation updated the total of rescued people on board Ocean Viking to 355.

Revision of the CCTV footage confirmed 80 people were embarked during the third rescue, which was a correction of the original tally of 81

AFM Patrol Boat informs Ocean Viking by phone about ETA at meeting point and transfer modalities

RCC Malta informs Ocean Viking that a transfer of the survivors will take place in international waters, 15NM off the coast of Malta.