Operations

Ocean Viking’s operations logbook

November 30, 2024

21:13 Ocean Viking docks in Syracuse.

November 29, 2024

11:45 Ocean Viking leaves Brindisi.
06:56 Disembarkation is complete.
06:48 Disembarkation of the 48 survivors starts.
01:35 Ocean Viking is docked in Brindisi.

November 28, 2024

08:41 Ocean Viking emails ITMRCC and asks for a closer Place of Safety, due to weather conditions.

November 27, 2024

17:57 Ocean Viking calls ITMRCC to ask for an update about the request to change for a closer POS due to the weather conditions. Officer on duty confirms reception of Ocean Viking’s request and that any new information will be shared by email.
15:49 Ocean Viking emails ITMRCC the Maritime Incident Report.

The email states:
Dear duty officer,
It is observed that adverse weather conditions are forecasted during the next days along the route from this vessel current position to RAVENNA, the POS assigned by Italian authorities.
This vessel is to face wave height up to of 2.5 m on the voyage to RAVENNA, forcing this ship and the persons thereon to endure a minimum of 32h of hardship, while delaying unnecessarily survivors' access to assistance & reception services on land.
Therefore, this vessel invites your RCC and the national competent authority to reassign the POS to a different port, the closest possible from Ocean Viking current position.
Please, find Meteomar weather forecast and map to support this request.
Ocean Viking remains at disposal for any further complementary request of information.

November 26, 2024

20:24 Ocean Viking receives and email by ITMRCC, reminding that the Italy the Decree Law of January 2, 2023 No. 1 is in force and therefore requests to proceed without delay, with direct route and at the maximum sustainable and continuous speed towards the port of Ravenna.
19:35 Ocean Viking emails ITMRCC and acknowledges the indication of RAVENNA as the Place of Safety for all 48 survivors currently onboard. Ocean Viking provides the ETA to Ravenna and asks for a closer Place of Safety.
17:52 Ocean Viking receives an email from ITMRCC instructing to proceed to Ravenna as place of safety.
Latitude: 13.751666666666667
Longitude: 34.2691667
16:26 RHIBS are recovered.
16:20 Ocean Viking emails JRCC Tripoli to inform about the rescue.
16:11 Ocean Viking observes Libyan Patrol Vessel 660 approaching the scene at high speed. Ocean Viking tries to establish contact with Patrol Vessel on VHF Ch.16 in English and Arabic several times but receives no answer.
15:50 Ocean Viking emails JRCC Tripoli to inform about the assessment.
15:47 Ocean Viking calls via Sat Phone JRCC Tripoli. No Answer.

The assessment is as follows: the rubber 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.

15:34 RHIBs are launched.

The email states the follwoing:

At 14:27 UTC Ocean Viking is 3NM from the subject boat and observes what follows:
the rubber 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.
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.
Ocean Viking RHIBs are going to be launched for closer assessment. Your RCC will be kept informed of observations and actions undertaken.
Please acknowledge receipt of this message."

15:13 Ocean Viking receives a VHF call from NATO Maritime Patrol Aircraft to inform Ocean Viking is the On Scene Coordinator of the SAR event.
15:07 Ocean Viking receives a VHF call from NATO Maritime Patrol Aircraft with an update of the position of the rubber boat in distress.
15:07 Ocean Viking informs that she has a visual of a small boat on the horizon, about 5NM away.
14:45 Ocean Viking receives a VHF call from NATO Maritime Patrol Aircraft with an update of the position of the rubber boat in distress.
14:25 Ocean Viking receives a VHF call from NATO Maritime Patrol Aircraft with an update of the boat in distress.
14:07 Ocean Viking receives a call from NATO Maritime Patrol Aircraft on VHF 16, giving an update on the position of the rubber boat in distress.

NATO Maritime Patrol Aircraft calls KNIDOS-M on VHF to inform that the SAR event it's on the starboard side of MV KNIDOS-M and asks for her intentions. KNIDOS M does not understand if NATO Maritime Patrol Aircraft gives instructions and asks if she can continue to the port of destination and be relieved from the SAR event. MV KINDOS M informs of its intention to proceed to next port of call.

The email informs about a rescue of all people from an iron boat in distress spotted from the bridge of “SEA PUNK 1“ by the Italian Coast Guard (CP322).

13:59 Ocean Viking calls NATO Patrol Aircraft on VHF to inform that Ocean Viking is 17 NM from the boat in distress with an ETA at 16:00 CET, ready to assist.
13:39 Ocean Viking emails JRCC Tripoli to inform about the situation.
13:36 Ocean Viking calls via Sat Phone JRCC Tripoli. No Answer.
13:35 Ocean Viking calls via Sat Phone JRCC Tripoli. No Answer.
13:17 Ocean Viking emails MRCC Malta to inform about the situation.
13:12 Ocean Viking is informed by NATO Maritime Patrol Aircraft via VHF 16 that Cargo Ship KNIDOS-M is 15NM from the rubber boat and is proceeding to its position.
13:05 Ocean Viking calls via Sat Phone MRCC Malta. Officer on duty requests an email.
13:03 Ocean Viking calls via Sat Phone MRCC Malta. No Answer.
13:01 Ocean Viking receives a VHF call from Aita Mari, offering assistance upon request.
12:57 Ocean Viking receives a call from NATO Maritime Patrol Aircraft on VHF Channel 16 to inform about the rubber boat in distress. Ocean Viking confirms receiving the information.

The message states: “rubber boat with about 35 ppl on board, in position 34 04’ 34” N 013 52’ 59” E, no lifesaving equipment, possibly deflating, moving on a course of 045 at 1.0 kn”.

11:18 Ocean Viking investigates the boat. Empty figerblass boat adrift, no engine, no marks
10:39 Ocean Viking spots an emty boat adrift.

November 25, 2024

17:30 Ocean Viking is heading south.
16:26 Ocean Viking ends the man over board drill.
13:19 Ocean Viking starts a man over board drill.
10:50 RHIB drills are complete.
09:07 Ocean Viking starts drills at sea.

November 24, 2024

19:42 Ocean Viking ends the close contact drill.
18:29 Ocean Viking performs a close contact drill.
16:27 RHIB drills are complete.
13:04 Ocean Viking starts drills at sea.
11:14 RHIB drills are complete.
08:33 Ocean Viking starts drills at sea.

November 23, 2024

19:00 Piolot off.
18:45 Anchor aweigh.
18:30 Pilot on bord.

November 22, 2024

10:30 Ocean Viking is anchors in Syracuse Bay.
10:24 Pilot of.
09:48 Ocean Viking is in Syracuse at berth. Pilot on.

November 13, 2024

18:34 Heave up anchor.