Search and Rescue Operation Underway for Vessel in Distress with 24 People on Board

A distress message issued by the Italian Coast Guard reports that a vessel with approximately 24 people on board is in distress in the Mediterranean Sea.

The last contact with the vessel was on March 20th at 15:05 UTC, and its approximate position was reported as 32 degrees, 34 minutes, 53 seconds North latitude and 25 degrees, 32 minutes, 1 second East longitude.

The vessel is presumed to be drifting and in distress.

Egyptian authorities are coordinating the search and rescue operation. The Italian Coast Guard has urged all ships transiting the area to keep a sharp lookout and report any possible sightings to the JRCC (Joint Rescue Coordination Centre) Cairo at the following contact details:

Phone: 0020224184537 or 0020224184531
Fax: 0020224184531 or 0020224184537
Email: jrcc136@mod.gov.eg

The utmost cooperation of all vessels in the area is highly recommended to facilitate a swift rescue of the missing persons.

Additional Information:

Incident: SAR Case 326
Date: March 20th, 2024
Location: Mediterranean Sea, approximate position 32° 34' 53" N, 25° 32' 01" E
Number of People: 24
Coordinating Authority: JRCC Cairo
Contact Details:
- Phone: 0020224184537 or 0020224184531
- Fax: 0020224184531 or 0020224184537
- Email: jrcc136@mod.gov.eg

Recommended Actions:

Vessels transiting the area are requested to keep a sharp lookout for any signs of the distressed vessel.
Any sightings should be reported immediately to the JRCC Cairo using the contact details provided above.

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