OPERATION - 15-30 October 2023

10:00 Ocean Viking leaves Marseille.

09:00 Ocean Viking stops for rhib drills.

30NM off the coast NE of Sardinia.

09:15 Ocean Viking stops for rhib drills.

30NM off the coast NE of Sardinia.

11:10 Rhib drills complete. Ocean Viking resumes navigation.

11:15 Rhib drills complete. Ocean Viking resumes navigation.

13:20 Ocean Viking stops for rhib drills.

13:30 Ocean Viking stops for rhib drills.

16:45 Rhib drills complete. Ocean Viking resumes navigation.

17:15 Rhib drills complete. Ocean Viking resumes navigation.

19:05 Ocean Viking stops for rhib drills.

20:40 Rhib drills complete. Ocean Viking resumes navigation.

21:00 Rhib drills complete. Ocean Viking resumes navigation.

13:15 Ocean Viking stops for rhib drills.

16:10 Rhib drills complete. Ocean Viking resumes navigation.

18:51 Ocean Viking arrives in Syracuse to shelter from bad weather.

19:00 Ocean Viking arrives in Syracuse to shelter from bad weather.

13:00 Ocean Viking leaves the port of Syracuse to the area of operations.

10:05 Ocean Viking spots an empty boat – no proper identification could be made as the boat sunk while trying to get a bit closer.

10:34 Ocean Viking is in copy of an email from Watch The Med- Alarm Phone, addressed to the authorities, alerting to boat in distress, 16 NM away.

10:46 Ocean Viking calls via Sat Phone Tripoli JRCC to report the distress case. No Answer.

10:47 Ocean Viking sends an email to Tripoli JRCC, with ITMRCC, Malta RCC and the Flag State in copy, to report the distress situation and to inform that Ocean Viking is proceeding towards the target (about 16 NM away), ready to provide first assistance.

Ocean Viking in position 33 35 N 012 32 E

11:58 Ocean Viking spots the boat from the bridge: the fiberglass boat is unseaworthy, inapt for navigation in high seas. There is a reasonable certainty that the persons on board are threatened by grave and imminent danger of being lost and may require immediate assistance.

12:00 Ocean Viking sends an email to Tripoli JRCC, with ITMRCC, Malta RCC and the Flag State in copy, to update about the situation and inform that Ocean Viking RHIBs are going to be launched for closer assessment.

12:06 Ocean Viking launches two rhibs to assess the situation.

12:08 Ocean Viking calls via Sat Phone Tripoli JRCC to report on the situation. No Answer.

12:10 Ocean Viking RHIBs assess the situation: the 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.

12:20 Ocean Viking RHIBs start the evacuation of the people in distress from a white fiberglass boat to Ocean Viking.

12:23 Evacuation of all 29 survivors onto Ocean Viking is complete.

Latitude: 33.45
Longitude: 12.7186

12:25 Ocean Viking sends an email to Tripoli JRCC to inform that Ocean Viking completed the recovery operation of the persons in distress.

Ocean Viking in position 33 27 N 012 43 E

12:49 Ocean Viking sends an email to Tripoli JRCC, with ITMRCC, Malta RCC and the Flag State in copy, to report the distress situation and to inform that Ocean Viking is proceeding towards the target (about 16 NM away), ready to provide first assistance.

Ocean Viking in position 33 35 N 012 32 E

13:39 The Italian authorities assign Ravenna, 870NM away, as a Place of Safety for the 29 survivors onboard.

13:58 ITMRCC takes the coordination of the distress case and requests Ocean Viking to proceed towards the last known positon given by Seabird 2.

14:00 Ocean Viking spots the boat from the bridge: the fiberglass boat is unseaworthy, inapt for navigation in high seas. There is a reasonable certainty that the persons on board are threatened by grave and imminent danger of being lost and may require immediate assistance.

14:11 Ocean Viking sends an email to Tripoli JRCC, with ITMRCC, Malta RCC and the Flag State in copy, to update on the situation and to inform that Ocean Viking will proceed to the assistance of the persons in distress.

Ocean Viking in position 33 2 7 N 012 43 E

14:20 Ocean Viking RHIBs start the evacuation of the people in distress from a white fiberglass boat to Ocean Viking.

14:23 Evacuation of all 29 survivors onto Ocean Viking is complete.

Latitude: 33.45
Longitude: 12.7186

14:26 Ocean Viking sends an email to Tripoli JRCC to inform that Ocean Viking completed the recovery operation of the persons in distress.

Ocean Viking in position 33 27 N 012 43 E

14:54 Ocean Viking is in copy of an email from Airbone Operations Sea-Watch, addressed to ITMRCC, alerting to boat in distress.

15:25 Ocean Viking informs RCC Malta and ITMRCC of its intention to proceed towards the distress case spotted by Seabird 2.

15:39 The Italian authorities assign Ravenna, 870NM away, as a Place of Safety for the 29 survivors onboard.

15:44 Ocean Viking calls ITMRCC via Sat Phone to request authorisation to proceed towards the distress case after Ravenna has been assigned. Rome MRCC denies permission to proceed towards the case.

15:58 ITMRCC eventually requests Ocean Viking to proceed towards the last known position of the distress case and to provide ITMRCC with first assessment.

16:04 Ocean Viking answers to ITMRCC confirming that the ship is proceeding towards the case.

16:24 Ocean Viking sends the Maritime Incident Report to ITMRCC about the rescue of the 29 survivors and informs about the ETA on the ditress case spotted by Seabird 2.

16:37 Ocean Viking sends the Maritime Incident Report to the Nowegian Maritime Authority.

19:35 Ocean Viking is at the last known position of the boat in distress and starts the search. Sea Eye 4 is proceeding South about 38NM North of Ocean Viking.

21:35 Ocean Viking is at the last known position of the boat in distress and starts the search. Sea Eye 4 is proceeding South about 38NM North of Ocean Viking.

22:17 Ocean Viking calls ITMRCC to inform of status of the search and asks permission to remain in the area until daylight to proceed with the search. ITMRCC denies permission and request Ocean Viking to proceed to the Place of Safety. Sea Eye 4 remains in the area searching.

00:17 Ocean Viking calls ITMRCC to inform of status of the search and asks permission to remain in the area until daylight to proceed with the search. ITMRCC denies permission and request Ocean Viking to proceed to the Place of Safety. Sea Eye 4 remains in the area searching.

15:36 Ocean Viking is in copy of an email from Watch The Med – Alarm Phone addressed to ITMRCC and RCC Malta about a boat in distress.

16:22 Ocean Viking is in copy of an email from Airbone Operations – Sea Watch addressed to ITMRCC and RCC Malta about a boat in distress. Seabird 2 assumes that this case matches the case reported by Watch the Med – Alarm Phone. Seabird 2 has issued a Mayday Relay on behalf at 1415 UTC.

16:27 Ocean Viking is in copy of an email from Watch The Med – Alarm Phone addressed to ITMRCC and RCC Malta, giving an updated position of the boat in distress.

16:46 Ocean Viking sends an email to ITMRCC offering assistance for the distress case, 86NM South of Ocean Viking position.

17:10 Ocean Viking calls ITMRCC via Sat Phone. No answer.

17:13 Ocean Viking calls ITMRCC via Sat Phone to offer assistance for the distress case 86NM South of Ocean Viking position. Answer from ITMRCC: ITMRCC is contacting Malta as the competent authority and will report back to Ocean Viking with instructions if any.

18:19 Ocean Viking receives an email from ITMRCC: “Without prejudice to different instructions from the competent Maltese SAR authority, proceed towards the reported distress in order to provide to this MRCC the necessary assessment (type of boat, number of people, buoyancy, ecc.) and also inform this MRCC and RCC MALTA if there are other assets in the area.”

18:28 Ocean Viking sends an email to ITMRCC to confirm the ship is proceeding towards the distress case.

18:47 Ocean Viking is in copy of an email from Watch The Med – Alarm Phone addressed to ITMRCC and RCC Malta, giving an updated position of the boat in distress.

19:04 Ocean Viking sends an email to inform Watch The Med – Alarm Phone that ITMRCC has instructed Ocean Viking to proceed towards the distress case.

00:01 The merchant vessel Rocky Runner infoms Ocean Viking that they have been instructed to join the search of the distress case.

02:17 Ocean Viking calls Alarm Phone to ask for an update on the distress case. Alarm Phone informs the last time they got in contact with the boat was at 1817UTC on October 25. The satphone on the distress case has been ringing until 0030UTC but no one has picked up and since then there is no more line.

02:29 Ocean Viking informs ITMRCC and Malta RCC about updated ETA to last known position of the distress case as well as coordination with Rocky Runner.

03:07 Rocky Runner calls Ocean Viking on VHF to inform of their search plan.

03:22 Rocky Runner calls Ocean Viking on VHF to inform that she is seeing an object on radar on their port side about 3NM. Not confirmed what it is.

03:30 Ocean Viking arrives at the last known position of the distress case.

03:39 Rocky Runner calls Ocean Viking on VHF to inform that she is seeing a small craft on 0.1?M away from them. Maybe small fishing vessel.

03:48 Rocky Runner calls Ocean Viking via VHF to inform that she spotted an empty white fiberglass boat.

04:07 Ocean Viking sends an email to ITMRCC and Malta RCC to inform about Rocky Runner findings.

04:16 Ocean Viking calls ITMRCC with the intention to clarify instructions after ITMRCC informed Ocean Viking of its obligation to follow Decree Law 2 January 2023. Ocean Viking proceeding with search of the AP distress case under coordination of ITMRCC. Ocean Viking also offers its assistance with new AP distress case. Answer from ITMRCC: Call RCC Malta to request information about the need to proceed with the search and inform that another vessel is assisting on the new distress case.

04:24 Ocean Viking calls Malta RCC to request information. Malta RCC informs to standby they will contact ITMRCC.

04:32 Ocean Viking sends an email to ITMRCC to inform of instructions received from RCC Malta and remains available and on standby for instructions.

05:04 Ocean Viking calls ITMRCC via Sat Phone for an update on the distress case. ITMRCC answers the persons you are looking for are not there anymore. Proceed to POS.

05:37 Ocean Viking sends an email to ITMRCC to acknowledge ITMRCC instructions and informs of Ravenna ETA set on the 30th October at 0800h.

08:41 Whilst in the Maltese SRR, Ocean Viking receives and email from “Airborne Operations – Sea Watch” alerting to a boat in distress. Seabird 2 informs that the merchant vessel PAN MUTIARA was observed next the boat in distress, sheltering her against high waves.

Ocean Viking in position 34 45.6 (N) 015 49.1 (E).

09:06 Sea-Watch aircraft Seabird 2 contacts Ocean Viking via radio to report on the distress case. Seabird 2 informs of a white fibreglass boat with aprox. 10 people on board alongside Merchant Vessel Pan Mutiara in position 34 24 (N) 017 06 (E). They require immediate assistance.

09:11 Ocean Viking hears several calls on VHF Ch. 16 broadcasted to all ships, informing of a boat in distress and in need of immediate assistance in position 35 14 (N) 017 06 (E).

09:22 Ocean Viking calls multiple time via Sat Phone to RCC Malta on several numbers to ask for instructions, to no avail.

09:29 Ocean Viking sends an email to ITMRCC, with RCC Malta in copy, to report on the distress case and to offer assistance, noting that the weather conditions in the area are deteriorating.

Ocean Viking in position 34 50 N 015 51 E

10:42 Ocean Viking sends an email to ITMRCC, with RCC Malta in copy, to inform of the multiple unsuccessful attempts to reach RCC Malta and offers, again, her assistance with the distress case. Ocean Viking informs the RCCs of the weather in the area, which presents very dangerous conditions for a small craft with NW winds force 5 and sea state between 4 and 5. Ocean Viking notes that the persons in distress have been exposed to the elements for over 12 hours.

Ocean Viking in position 35 13.8 (N) 016 04.4 (E)

12:56 Ocean Viking receives a call on bridge satellite phone from Pan Mutiara, informing of the need of immediate assistance for the boat in distress and that RCC Malta has informed Pan Mutiara that Ocean Viking is being instructed to proceed towards Pan Mutiara position to assits the distress case.

12:58 Ocean Viking calls multiple times via Sat Phone RCC Malta on several numbers to ask for instructions and to confirm information received by Pan Mutiara. No answer.

13:05 Ocean Viking receives an answer from ITMRCC in response to the email. ITMRCC informs Ocean Viking, that this event is coordinated by RCC Malta and instructs Ocean Viking to contact RCC Malta for instructions and to offer assistance on the distress case.

13:13 Sea-Watch aircraft Seabird 2 contacts Ocean Viking via radio to report that the weather is deteriorating and to give the position of the distress case in the vicinity of the merchant vessel Pan Mutiara. Seabird 2 reports that Pan Mutiara has been instructed to standby and wait for another craft to perform the rescue, without ETA on rescue vessel, and no vessels were seen in the area. Ocean Viking informs Seabird 2 of her intention to contact RCC Matla to request instructions.

13:18 Ocean Viking receives a second call on bridge Sat Phone from Pan Mutiara who insists they needed assistance and they had been informed by RCC Malta that Ocean Viking is sailing towards them to render assistance with the distress case.

13:31 Ocean Viking sends an email to RCC Malta, with ITMRCC in copy, to inform that, in accordance to the duty to render assistance to any person in danger of being lost at sea, as stipulated by the relevant International Maritime Conventions, Ocean Viking is proceeding with all speed to the assistance of the people in distress with Estimated Time of Arrival set at 15h00 UTC.

(rt. 98 of UNCLOS, Paragraph 1 of SOLAS Regulation V/33.1 and the Provisions of 1979 SAR Convention and of the International Convention on Salvage, 1989

14:24 Ocean Viking receives an email from Pan Mutiara as the only asset on scene, instructed by Malta RCC, requesting Ocean Viking to proceed to the evacuation of the people in distress at position 35 14 (N) 017 08 (E).

14:40 Ocean Viking calls Pan Mutiara to obtain an updated position of the vessel and to ask about the condition of the persons in distress. Pan Mutiara answers with updated position 35 12.3994 (N) 017 15.1402 (E) and informs Ocean Viking that they have given the survivors food and water and that one of them is suffering from severe seasickness.

18:36 Whilst at 1.5NM from the boat in distress, Ocean Viking receives a VHF call on Ch.16 from Pan Mutiara stating the following: “A white fibreglass boat with 18 persons on board is alongside MV PAN MUTIARA on its Starboard side. The people on the boat has been exposed to the elements for a long time and is requesting immediate assistance”.