Mayday! UK Coastguard Coordinates Search for Distress Beacon

The UK Coastguard is currently coordinating a search and rescue operation for a distress beacon alert received on May 21st, 2024, at 11:11 UTC.

The source of the beacon remains unknown, but its last known position was at 45° 26.97N 011° 00.72W, heading east at the time of the alert.

Current Situation:

The merchant vessels M/V ALICE (general cargo) and M/V CAROLINE ESSBERGER (oil/chemical tanker) are already on scene or en route to the distress position.
Aircraft R40 has completed its search of the area, and CG99 is deploying to assist.
Weather conditions are challenging, with winds of 20 knots gusting to 28 knots from the northwest, overcast skies, and 3-meter waves. The weather is expected to worsen later in the day.

Call to Action for Vessels in the Area:

The UK Coastguard is urging any vessels in the vicinity of the distress position to proceed to the area and assist in the search. Vessels are also requested to attempt contact with the source of the beacon to determine the nature of the distress and any specific assistance required.

Additional Information:

M/V ALICE: Dutch general cargo ship, 89 meters long, 13.35 meters wide (IMO: 9677399)
M/V CAROLINE ESSBERGER: Dutch oil/chemical tanker, 124.33 meters long, 17.2 meters wide (IMO: 9439151)

The UK Coastguard is leading this search and rescue operation and will provide further updates as they become available.

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