OPERATION - 02-12 June 2024

Ocean Viking in PoS: 33 33,4 N 012 52,9 E

In PoS: 33 33.5 N 012 52,9 E: The fiberglass boat is unseaworthy, inapt for navigation in high seas, overcrowded with about 40 people on board, all exposed to the elements, no Life Saving Appliances available.

“Dear Sirs, Madams,

At 05:16 UTC MV Ocean Viking is 0,2 NM from the subject boat and observes what follows:
The fiberglass boat is unseaworthy, inapt for navigation in high seas, overcrowded with about 40 people on board, all exposed to the elements, no Life Saving Appliances available.
It is ascertained that the distress phase exists as the persons on board are threatened by grave and imminent danger of being lost and require immediate assistance.

This is a case of force majeure (ref.SOLAS Art. IV (b)) imposing to retrieve persons in danger of being lost at sea, as stipulated by the relevant International Maritime Conventions, therefore MV Ocean Viking will proceed to the assistance of these persons in distress, while keeping competent RCCs duly informed.

Please acknowledge receipt of this message.”

“Dear Sirs, Madams,
At 05:50 Z MV Ocean Viking spotted a dead body drifting around position 33 33.9 N 012 52.7 E. I hereby inform you that M/V Ocean Viking is ready to provide assistance to recover the body in order to provide a dignified burial and identification in order to inform possible family members.
My ship has professionals rescue crew and a refrigerated morgue.
In light of the events of yesterday where aircraft Sea Bird spotted a total of 11 dead bodies in this same area later recovered by MV Geo Barents. MV Ocean Viking offers its assistance to proceed with a search pattern of the area to locate any other dead bodies.
We are awaiting coordination and further instructions from your side.
Please acknowledge the reception of this message.”

“Dear Sirs, Madams,

As per our phone conversation, at 08:32 UTC, we inform that MV Ocean Viking, in position 33 34N 012 45E, spotted an overcrowded fiberglass boat. Aircraft Seabird overflying the area confirmed the sigh of an overcrowded fiberglass boat with about 25pople on board, all exposed to the elements, inapt for navigation on the high seas, no Life Saving equipment (please see below email)

Apprehension exists as to the safety of the persons on board.

As per our phone conversation MV Ocean Viking swiftly altered Course Heading towards the Target, about 11 NM away, for further assessment and ready to provide first assistance.
MV Ocean Viking COG 150, Speed 7,4Kts ETA 10:00 UTC.

At 08:44 UTC MV Ocean Viking called via Sat Phone Tripoli JRCC; No Answer

MV Ocean Viking will keep you informed.
Please acknowledge receipt of this message and inform of your SAR action plan.”

Ocean Viking observes a boat with about 20 people on board, all exposed to the elements and without lifesaving equipment, the boat is inapt for navigation on the high seas. Ocean Viking also informs ITMRCC of the presence of an unidentified black RHIB in the area at the inability to contact them.

Fiberglass boat is unseaworthy, inapt for navigation in high seas, overcrowded with about 20 people on board, all exposed to the elements. While RHIBs were approaching distress case, people on board the distress case put on non-certified lifejackets inapt for navigation on the high seas.

“Dear Sirs, Madams,
At 09:53 UTC MV Ocean Viking is 0,3 NM from the subject boat and observes what follows:
Fiberglass boat is unseaworthy, inapt for navigation in high seas, overcrowded with about 20 people on board, all exposed to the elements, no Life Saving Appliances available.
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. As per our phone conversation at 09:46 UTC MV Ocean Viking is proceeding to launch its RHIBS for further assessment and the recovery of the people in distress.
This is a case of force majeure (ref.SOLAS Art. IV (b)) imposing to retrieve persons in danger of being lost at sea, as stipulated by the relevant International Maritime Conventions, therefore MV Ocean Viking will proceed to the assistance of these persons in distress, while keeping competent RCCs duly informed.
As per our phone conversation at 09:46 UTC, we inform you of the presence of an unidentified black RHIB in the area with no visible flag or hull markings, we tried to make contact on VHF ch. 16 with no answer. Black RHIB left the area at around 09:50 UTC.”