Man Overboard in the North Sea

Update: AIS MOB distress alert in position 55 59.59N 000 58.98E investigated and searched by numerous search and rescue assets with no one found in distress. Alert determined to be spurious.

Aberdeen, Scotland – November 22, 2024 – The UK Coastguard is urgently seeking information regarding a man overboard incident that occurred in the North Sea on Wednesday afternoon.

An Automatic Identification System (AIS) Man Overboard (MOB) device, with the unique identification number MMSI 972605523, was activated at approximately 2:21 PM UTC in a position 55.59.59 North, 000.58.98 East.

Despite extensive searches, the Coastguard has yet to locate any vessel or individual associated with the activated MOB device. The MMSI number, which is used to identify vessels and their equipment on the water, does not correspond to any known ship.

The UK Coastguard is urging any vessels in the area to maintain a sharp lookout and report any sightings to the Marine Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) Aberdeen on VHF .

Sea Conditions at the Time of the Incident

At the time of the activation, sea conditions were reported as follows:

Wind: Southwest at 12 knots, gusting up to 17 knots
Waves: 2.2 meters
Sky: Partly cloudy
Air temperature: 7 degrees Celsius

What is an AIS MOB device?

An AIS MOB device is a small, waterproof device that is typically attached to a lifejacket. If the device becomes separated from the lifejacket, it will automatically activate and transmit a distress signal with its GPS location. This signal can be detected by other vessels or by satellites and relayed to the Coastguard.

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