Urgent: Mayday Alert for Sailing Vessel Casablanca

UPDATE 12/07/2024:

Norfolk, Virginia – July 11, 2024 – The Rescue Coordination Center (RCC) Norfolk has confirmed that the distress alert issued earlier today for the sailing vessel Casablanca (MMSI 227121980) was a false alarm.

The initial 406 MHz EPIRB activation triggered an urgent search and rescue operation. However, subsequent communications revealed that the distress signal originated from the sailing vessel Akory. The master of the Akory has confirmed that there was no emergency.

Norfolk, Virginia – July 11, 2024 – The Rescue Coordination Center (RCC) Norfolk has issued an urgent marine distress alert for the sailing vessel Casablanca, with MMSI 227121980. The vessel, a 7-meter French-flagged sailboat, was last reported at position 27-42.4N 056-04.93W.

The alert was triggered by a 406 MHz EPIRB activation at 110950Z JUL 24, providing no additional information beyond the vessel's identity and location.

Mariners in the vicinity are strongly advised to:

Exercise extreme caution
Maintain a vigilant lookout
Report any sightings or information to RCC Norfolk:
- Phone: 757-398-6231
- Fax: 757-398-6392
- Email: D05-SMB-D5CC(AT)USCG.MIL

Weather Conditions:

The area is experiencing East winds of 15 knots with gusts up to 20 knots and 1.7-meter swells. The sky is partly cloudy with no significant weather changes expected in the near future.

The Casablanca is a 7-meter sailing vessel with a beam of 2 meters.

This is a developing situation. More information will be provided as it becomes available.

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