Belgian Sailing Boat Missing: Italian Coast Guard Issues Alert

Rome, February 14, 2025 – The Italian Maritime Rescue Coordination Center (IMRCC) in Rome has issued an urgent alert regarding a Belgian-flagged sailing boat that activated a VHF DSC distress signal. All ships transiting in the area are urged to maintain a sharp lookout and report any possible sightings.

The distress alert was received under the provisions of the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) and the International Convention on Maritime Search and Rescue (SAR) of Hamburg 1979. The IMRCC is coordinating search and rescue operations to locate the missing vessel.

Weather Conditions in the Search Area:

Currently, the weather in the region is relatively calm, with winds blowing from the west-southwest at 8 knots, gusting up to 12 knots, and good visibility. However, conditions are expected to deteriorate in the coming hours. Winds will strengthen to 15-20 knots, and by early tomorrow, waves up to 2.3 meters and winds reaching 21 knots are forecasted.

All vessels in the vicinity are advised to stay vigilant and exercise caution, especially as the weather conditions worsen. The IMRCC Rome continues to coordinate efforts to locate and assist the missing vessel.

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