A search and rescue operation is currently in progress following the sinking of a ship carrying 27 crew members off the coast of the Falkland Islands. The fishing vessel, FV Argos Georgia, began to sink approximately 200 miles east of the islands in the South Atlantic on Monday at around 4 p.m. local time.
The crew of the vessel requested assistance and subsequently abandoned ship, with some managing to board life rafts. While some individuals have been rescued from the life rafts, efforts are ongoing to locate those who are still missing.
The Falkland Islands government is working to confirm the number of casualties and individuals still unaccounted for. Sally Heathman, head of communications for the Falkland Islands Government, stated that the situation is evolving, and further updates will be provided as necessary.
Rescued crew members are being transported to the King Edward VII Memorial Hospital in the capital city of Stanley for medical evaluations. A search and rescue operation involving helicopters and vessels commenced on Monday and is set to continue throughout the night on Tuesday.
Despite initial attempts by a search and rescue helicopter to retrieve crew members on Monday evening, challenging weather conditions and limited time on scene hindered the operation. Subsequent efforts were suspended due to worsening weather conditions.
Multiple entities, including the Falkland Islands Government, the government of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands, HQ British Forces South Atlantic Islands, the UK Maritime & Coastguard Agency, the vessel's management company, and other fishing vessels at sea, are participating in the search and rescue operation.
Argentina's Navy also engaged in search and rescue activities upon being informed of the ship's sinking. The Falkland Islands, a British overseas territory located east of South America, have been a point of contention between Britain and Argentina, with the latter continuing to claim sovereignty over the islands.
Carmen Crespo, chair of the Committee on Fisheries for the European Parliament, acknowledged the dangers faced by maritime professionals, emphasizing the risks and sacrifices associated with fishing activities.
