Severe Flooding Incident on Fishing Vessel Argos Georgia

On July 22, the Falkland Island Government reported a severe flooding incident on the fishing vessel Argos Georgia, which had 27 crew members on board.

The Maritime Authority of the Falkland Islands received a distress call from the vessel, which was located 200 nautical miles east of Stanley, Falkland Islands. The situation deteriorated around 4 PM local time, prompting the crew to abandon the ship and deploy life rafts.

The Falkland Islands Government, along with the South Georgia Government, South Sandwich Island, British Force South Atlantic Islands (BFSAI), the UK Maritime & Coastguard Agency, and nearby vessels, responded to the distress call.

The BFSAI dispatched an A-400 Atlas aircraft, which was the first to arrive at the scene and locate the life rafts. FPV Lilibet and two other fishing vessels also assisted in the rescue operation.

Despite adverse weather conditions hampering the BFSAI Search and Rescue (SAR) helicopter, FPV Lilibet and the fishing vessels were able to rescue several crew members. The rescued individuals were transported to King Edward VII Memorial Hospital in Stanley for medical care.

According to the latest reports, eight crew members have died, five are missing, and fourteen survived the incident. The search for the missing crew members is ongoing.