Distressed Migrant Boat in Central Mediterranean: Search Underway

Rome, Italy - March 8, 2024 - A distress call was received by the Italian Coast Guard's Maritime Rescue Coordination Center (MRCC) in Rome on Thursday morning regarding a wooden blue boat adrift in the Central Mediterranean Sea. The vessel, carrying an estimated 50 people, is believed to be in distress.

The Italian MRCC, acting on behalf of the Libyan Navy Coast Guard and in accordance with international maritime safety and search and rescue conventions, has issued a broadcast message to all ships in the area. The last known position of the boat was reported at Latitude 34° 02' North and Longitude 11° 46' East, as of 7:27 UTC on March 7th, 2024.

Authorities are urging any vessels in the vicinity to divert their course towards this position and attempt to establish visual contact with the distressed boat. If contact is made, ships are instructed to reach out to the Joint Rescue Coordination Center (JRCC) in Libya using the provided phone or fax numbers, or via email.

Alarm Phone Reports Loss of Contact

Meanwhile, independent migrant support group Alarm Phone has raised concerns about the situation. According to their report, they received a distress call from approximately 50 people aboard the vessel on Thursday night. The migrants reportedly fled Libya and indicated engine failure amidst bad weather conditions.

Alarm Phone reported losing contact with the boat roughly eight hours ago. While the Libyan Coast Guard is involved in the search, Alarm Phone highlights their concern that the migrants have not yet been located.

Search Efforts Continue

The Italian MRCC and Libyan authorities are coordinating efforts to locate the missing vessel. All ships in the area are encouraged to be vigilant and report any sightings to the relevant authorities.

UPDATE: "According to the so-called Libyan coastguard, the boat with approximately 50 people was found and the people returned to #Libya. We are trying to further verify this information." @alarm_phone

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