OPERATION - 9-26 November 2019

Ocean Viking is in position 43°15.0′ N, 008°36.2′ E , sailing at a speed of 4 knots.

• Wind: 10 knots
• Swell: 0.7 meter
• Sea state: 3

Ocean Viking stops sailing to conduct rescue drills, including familiarisation with mass floatation devices

Ocean Viking carried out drills at sea and has resumed navigation

Ocean Viking is in position 41°11.8′ N, 010°06.5′ E , sailing at a speed of 4 knots.

• Wind: 30 knots
• Swell: 2.0 meter
• Sea state: 5

Ocean Viking is in position 38°24.8′ N, 010°26.7′ E , sailing at a speed of 12 knots.

• Wind: 30 knots
• Swell: 3.0 meter
• Sea state: 5

Ocean Viking is proceeding on various courses and speeds according Master’s orders.

Wind: > 50 knots, Sea state: 6

Ocean Viking is in position 35°21.5′ N, 014°20.0′ E , sailing at a speed of 11 knots.

• Wind: 16 knots
• Swell: 3.0 meter
• Sea state: 5-6

Ocean Viking enters the Libyan Search and Rescue Region (SRR), in International waters.

On 27^th June 2018, coordinates of the Libyan JRCC were uploaded on the GISIS, thereby legitimizing the coordination of rescues by this JRCC in the Libyan SRR.

From now on, according to the global SAR plan and the SAR Convention, any SAR case is under the responsibility of the Libyan Joint Rescue Coordination Center (JRCC).

The responsibilities of a Rescue Coordination Centre (RCC) are:

• To coordinate rescues on a 24-hour basis;
• To provide a place of safety for survivors or ensure that such a place of safety is provided;
• To arrange disembarkation as soon as reasonably practicable.

According to Maritime conventions and resolutions,

• Upon the declaration of a distress phase, a RCC shall initiate “search and rescue operations when the position of the search object is unknown” (SAR Convention, art. 4.5.4).
• As soon as the RCC responsible for a SRR in which assistance is needed is informed about a distress situation, it “should immediately accept responsibility for coordinating the rescue efforts” (MSC.167(78), art 6.7).
• RCCs “should be prepared to act quickly on their own, or have
  processes in place, as necessary, to involve other authorities, so that
  timely decisions can be reached with regard to handling of survivors” (MSC.167(78), art 6.4).
• A RCC “should make every effort to minimize the time survivors remain on board the assisting ship” (MSC.167(78), art 6.8).
• A RCC
  “shall have available up-to-date information especially concerning
  search and rescue facilities and available communications relevant to
  search and rescue operations in its area” (SAR Convention, art 4.2.1).

Upon entering the Libyan Search and Rescue Region, Ocean Viking sends a “notice of readiness for SAR operations” to the Libyan JRCC, copying the Italian MRCC, the Maltese MRCC and EUNAVFOR MED.

“… 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°16.9’ N  013°39.2’ E   
Proceeding with COG 210°  SOG 11 kts, remaining in international water at all times …”

Ocean Viking is in position 33°30.9′ N, 012°10.3′ E , Patrolling at a speed of 3.5 knots.

• Wind: WSW, 20 knots
• Swell: 1.5 meter
• Sea state: 4

Ocean Viking stops sailing to conduct rescue drills, including CPR and stretcher training

Ocean Viking carried out drills at sea and has resumed navigation

Ocean Viking is in position 33°32.0′ N, 012°08.2′ E , Patrolling at a speed of 7 knots.

• Wind: SW, 20 knots
• Swell: 1.3 meter
• Sea state: 3

Ocean Viking carried out drills at sea and has resumed navigation

Ocean Viking is in position 33°29.8′ N, 012°14,1′ E , Patrolling at a speed of 4 knots.

• Wind: S, 21 knots
• Swell: 1.3 meter
• Sea state: 4

Ocean Viking spots a white floating object. Ocean Viking stops at 33°29.9’N 012°23.1’E and launches Easy 1 for further investigation. Object is identified as remains of a white rubber boat.

Ocean Viking is in position 33°25.0′ N, 012°41.5′ E , Patrolling at a speed of 4 knots.

• Wind: W, 20 knots
• Swell: 2 meter
• Sea state: 5

Ocean Viking is in position 33°30.8′ N, 012°11.4′ E , Patrolling at a speed of 3 knots.

• Wind: SW, 13 knots
• Swell: 0.8 meter
• Sea state: 3

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 20 nm away. Ocean Viking alters Course and proceeds towards the Target

Ocean Viking contacts ITMRCC informing about potential boat in distress and LYJRCC non-response

Ocean Viking sends an email to LYJRCC and reports position received by Alarm Phone. LYJRCC is informed that Ocean Viking proceeds towards the Target.

” … Please be informed that we have received an email from Alarm Phone regarding a white rubber boat with 98 people on board at position 33-17N 012-49E . Ocean Viking is proceeding on an intercept Course and expects to be near in approx.1.5hrs

We will continue to update this RCC “

Legal reference:

It’s part of the duties of the Master to inform the RCC responsible for the SRR about the evolution of the situation : “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);” (Source: MSC.167(78) )

Ocean Viking calls LYJRCC to inform of white rubber boat. Receives answer that no English speaking person is available

LNCG calls Ocean Viking on VHF. Ocean Viking replies several times, but communication can not be established.

Ocean Viking informs LYJRCC (copying ITMRCC, MTJRCC and EUNAVFOR MED) by email about possible distress situation and that 2 RHIB will be launched in water:

” … Ocean Viking spotted a rubber boat in the water, possibly in distress
The boat is overcrowded and people have no lifejacket.
Ocean Viking position: 33°27.8’N  012°51.3’E
Ocean Viking is going to launch our RHIBs and investigate
We will keep you updated“

Ocean Viking calls ITMRCC on phone and provides update of situation.

Easy 1 and Easy 2 assess condition of rubber boat. Rubber boat found in unseaworthy condition, without lifesaving appliances, overcrowded with people without lifejackets. Distribution of lifejackets is commenced

Start to evacuate survivors from rubber boat to Ocean Viking

Ocean Viking calls LYJRCC on phone and provides update on rescue operation. Last survivors have been evacuated.

evacuation of survivors from unseaworthy rubber boat with no lifesaving appliances to Ocean Viking is completed. Medical team provides medical care as required.

Ocean Viking sends an email to LYJRCC, copying ITMRCC and MTJRCC, to inform of rescue completion.

It’s part of the duties of the Master to inform the RCC responsible for the SRR about the evolution of the situation : “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);”  (Source: MSC 167(78) )

LNCG vessel calls Ocean Viking on VHF and orders Ocean Viking to alter Course to North. Ocean Viking alters Course accordingly

LNCG calls Ocean Viking on VHF and requests details of survivors. LNCG requests further position of white rubber boat. Ocean Viking provides all information as requested.

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

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 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.

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 spots white boat and alters Course for further investigation

Ocean Viking calls ITMRCC on phone and provides update of situation

Ocean Viking informs LYJRCC (copying ITMRCC, MTJRCC and EUNAVFOR MED) by email about possible distress situation and that 2 RHIB will be launched:

” … while  Ocean Viking was proceeding north Ocean Viking spotted a rubber boat in the water, possibly in distress
The boat seems to be overcrowded and people have no lifejackets.

Ocean Viking position: 33°16.5’N  013°47.2’E

Ocean Viking is going to launch our RHIBs and investigate and start stabilisation.

We will keep you updated“

Easy 1 and Easy 2 assess condition of boat, which is identfied as a small fiberglass boat. Boat is found in unseaworthy condition, without lifesaving appliances, overcrowded, people without lifejackets. Distribution of lifejackets is commenced

Ocean Viking informs LYJRCC (copying ITMRCC, MTJRCC and EUNAVFOR MED) by email:

” … Correction. The boat is a small wooden boat with approx. 25-30 persons onboard. Our rescue boats are currently carrying out the evaluation and rescue if needed. Our PoS. 33-19,7N 013-52,7E

I will continue to update this RCC “

It’s part of the duties of the Master to inform the RCC responsible for the SRR about the evolution of the situation : “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);” (Source: MSC.167(78) )

Start to evacuate survivors from fiberglass boat to Ocean Viking

evacuation of survivors from unseaworthy fiberglass boat with no lifesaving appliances to Ocean Viking is completed. Medical team provides medical care as required.

Ocean Viking sends an email to LYJRCC, copying ITMRCC and MTJRCC, to inform of rescue completion.

Legal reference:

It’s part of the duties of the Master to inform the RCC responsible for the SRR about the evolution of the situation : “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);”  (Source: MSC 167(78) )

Ocean Viking sends an email to LYJRCC (copying ITMRCC, MTJRCC and EUNAVFOR MED) and asks for a place of safety

” … We are requesting a place of safety (as defined in the Annex to the 1979 SAR Convention, paragraph 1.3.2 and in the International Maritime Organization 2004 Rescue Guidelines) to promptly disembark all 125 survivors who are currently on-board.”

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 100 nm away. Ocean Viking alters Course and proceeds towards the Target.

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 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.

Ocean Viking informs LYJRCC by email, with ITMRCC, MTJRCC in copy, that she cannot proceed to disembarkation in Tripoli (Libya) due to the fact that Libyan ports do not conform to the definition of place of safety.

“… We acknowledge receipt of your request to proceed to Libya – Tripoli to disembark the 125 survivors on board MV Ocean Viking.

As you know, under the International Convention on maritime search and rescue to which Libya is a state party, a rescue is only considered as completed once rescued people have been disembarked in a place of safety (As defined in the Annex to the 1979 SAR Convention, paragraph 1.3.2 and in the International Maritime Organization 2004 Rescue Guidelines)

It is within this framework that the European Commission and United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees issued clear positions stating that currently Libya does not meet the criteria for being designated as a place of safety for the purpose of disembarkation following rescue at sea (https://www.refworld.org/docid/5b8d02314.html)

I understand that among the survivors on board there are people, including women, children, unaccompanied minors and pregnant women, who say that if returned to Libya, they would be in danger of being subjected to severe abuses.

In light of this clear guidance and international law Provisions, we are not in a position to head towards a Libyan port, which cannot be considered as a place of safety for rescued people.

I respectfully request that as the JRCC coordinating, that you please provide with the indication of a place of safety, which fulfils all requirements under all applicable international laws, where the survivors can be safely and promptly disembarked.

Please acknowledge receipt of this message.“

Ocean Viking informs LYJRCC (copying ITMRCC, MTJRCC and EUNAVFOR MED) by email about possible distress situation and that 2 RHIBs will be launched in water:

“… Ocean Viking spotted a rubber boat in the water, possibly in distress
The boat is overcrowded and people have no lifejacket. There is also reports of injured persons on board. Our medical team is standing by to receive them

Ocean Viking position: 33°14.4’N  016°30.1’E

Ocean Viking is going to launch our RHIBs to investigate and proceed to rescue if needed.

We will keep you updated“

Easy 1 and Easy 2 assess condition of rubber boat. Rubber boat found in unseaworthy condition, without lifesaving appliances, overcrowded with people without lifejackets. One injured person in immediate need of medical care

Distribution of lifejackets is finalised. Easy 1 starts to evacuate survivors.

evacuation of survivors from unseaworthy rubber boat with no lifesaving appliances to Ocean Viking is completed. Medical team provides medical care as required.

Ocean Viking sends an email to LYJRCC, copying ITMRCC and MTJRCC, to inform of rescue completion.

It’s part of the duties of the Master to inform the RCC responsible for the SRR about the evolution of the situation : “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);”  (Source: MSC 167(78) )

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

Ocean Viking sends an email to ITMRCC and MTJRCC copying LYJRCC to request a place of safety:

” … MV Ocean Viking conducted 3 rescue operations, on the 19th, 20th and 21th of November, of a total of 215 people in distress. Please refer to MIR reports previously shared for more details.

All operations took place in International waters, in the Libyan SRR. All of them in the strictest adherence to the UNCLOS, SOLAS and SAR conventions

Currently, we have a total of 215 rescued people on board, including 20 women and 66 minors. 54 of the minors are unaccompanied.

There are four pregnant women, one is 8 months into pregnancy, and there are six children below the age of five.

Medical team is providing necessary treatment where needed. The medical team also provides treatment to an injured person suffering from a gun shot wound.

Some of the survivors speak of being held in places of captivity for varying periods of time, and present marks of physical violence.

On the 20th of November, JRCC Tripoli communicated Tripoli as a place of safety for the disembarkation of the survivors. Ocean Viking responded on the 21th  of November that Libyan ports cannot be considered as a place of safety and requested an alternative PoS to disembark survivors on-board. No response has been received so far.

According to international maritime conventions and regulations (IMO Resolution MSC.167 (78): in a case where the RCC responsible for the area where the survivors are recovered cannot be contacted, attempt to contact another RCC, or if that is impractical, any other Government authority that may be able to assist, while recognizing that responsibility still rests with the RCC of the area in which the survivors are recovered), Ocean Viking is now formally requesting Maltese and Italian maritime authorities, as the RCCs better able to assist, to take coordination and support finding a place of safety that fulfills the criteria set by Maritime and International Law to disembark safely and as soon as possible the 215 survivors on board the vessel.

Thank you in advance for your cooperation and assistance.

Please acknowledge receipt of this message.”

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