Search and Rescue Operation in Progress: Man Overboard from Tunisian Fishing Vessel

Rome, March 19, 2025 – The Italian Coast Guard's Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) in Rome has issued an urgent message to all vessels transiting in the central Mediterranean Sea. A Search and Rescue (SAR) operation is currently underway following a man overboard incident from the Tunisian fishing vessel El Haj Abdel Aziz.

According to the communication, the missing person was last seen between two reported positions:

LAT. 35°25'N - LONG. 012°34'E at 03:00 UTC on March 16
LAT. 35°26'N - LONG. 012°33'E at 05:00 UTC on March 16

In compliance with the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) and the Hamburg SAR Convention of 1979, all ships navigating in the area are requested to maintain a sharp lookout and to report any sightings or relevant information to IMRCC Rome.

Weather conditions in the area at the time of the report include easterly-southeasterly winds at 19 knots, with gusts reaching up to 26 knots. Wave heights are up to 2 meters, and skies are reported to be clear.

IMRCC Rome has requested all ships to acknowledge receipt of this message by email, including their vessel's satellite phone number.

Vessels operating in this sector are urged to exercise vigilance and contribute to the search efforts in any possible way.

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