On 8 April, 2019, at 00:54 UTC, Saudi Arabian Mission Control Center received a SIT 915 MEOSAR message from the Spanish MCC as an initial distress signal detected from a 406 MHz EPIRB with coordinates around 91 Nautical miles west of Jizan port in Saudi Arabia.
The distress signal was broadcast from a Panama-flagged Cargo vessel.
A distress alert message with the location was immediately sent to Jeddah Maritime Rescue Coordination Center (JMRCC) who conducted checks and analysis of the provided coordinates and information.
As per SAR procedures and rules, the Saudi Border Guard and the Royal Saudi Naval Forces engaged a search and rescue operation.
31 sailors were evacuated from the ship as a fire broke out, grew, and the vessel continued burning in international waters in the Red Sea.
There were no casualties; the entire crew was rescued safely, and the Saudi Border Guards and Royal Saudi Naval Forces provided the required assistance; medical care, and the necessary hospitality.
