UPDATE: Cancel Bolo. All is well aboard SV Vicarello and they should arrive in Martinique within three days. RCC Norfolk sent out an “EGC message” and a ship located the SV. Apparently they had a Starlink malfunction and were unable to communicate to their shore side float plan people. Many thanks to RCC Norfolk and the ship for locating the SV.
The Inmarsat C maritime mobile satellite system has an inherent capability, known as Enhanced Group Call (EGC) , which allows broadcast messages to be made to selected groups of ship stations located anywhere within a satellite’s coverage.
As a reminder the USCG recommends multiple means of communication.
Broadcast Version For Maritime Mobile Service Network and Other Networks
BOLO for SV Vicarello Possibly in Distress SE of Bermuda
RCC Norfolk has requested assistance in locating SV Vicarello. If anyone has additional information concerning the vessel, equipment on board, communications or sightings please contact RCC Norfolk (757-398-6390).
SV Vicarello left the Strait of Gibraltar on or about December 12, 2024 on a passage to Martinique. The last known position was from a Starlink on December 28, 2024, approximately 1300 nautical miles SE of Bermuda, 23-48.18N 042-22.25W.
SV Vicarello is a 12 meter Catamaran, French flag with 4 persons on board. The vessel has a life raft and either an EPIRB or PLB. The vessel’s AIS is not working.
On board the vessel is Remi Trommenschlager and possibly Yohan Baudouin.
The RCC has not received any beacon alerts and believe the reports of two flares by RCC Delgado does not coordinate with other information regarding SV Vicarello position.
Keep a sharp lookout, assist if possible and provide sightings and information to RCC Norfolk.
From Sea Warnings
January 4, 2024
RCC Delgado received a report of two flares, one white and one red, sighted around 1330 UTC on 03 January 2025, in the approximate position of 18-27.48N 038-32.15W.
While the source of the flares remains unconfirmed, RCC Delgado suspects they may have been launched by the S/V Vicarello, a 12-meter white catamaran sailing under the French flag. The last known position of the S/V Vicarello was on 28 December 2024 at 23-48.18N 042-22.25W, with Martinique as their intended destination on 06 January 2025.
Current Conditions:
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Wind: 10 knots with gusts up to 15 knots from the Northeast.
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Waves: 2.5 meters.
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Forecast: Improving conditions in the coming hours.
Urgent Request:
All vessels in the vicinity are requested to keep a sharp lookout for the S/V Vicarello and report any sightings or signs of distress to RCC Norfolk or RCC Delgado immediately.
Note: This information is based on the provided report and may be subject to change.