On July 22, 2024, the fishing boat Argos Georgia sank approximately 200 nautical miles east of Stanley, the capital of the Falkland Islands, in the South Atlantic Ocean. The vessel, flying the flag of Saint Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha, sent a distress signal reporting ‘uncontrolled flooding’. Of the 27 crew members on board, 14 were rescued, at least six died, and seven remain missing.The multinational crew consisted of 10 Spaniards (including the captain), 8 Russians, 5 Indonesians, 2 Uruguayans, and 2 Peruvians. The incident occurred amid challenging weather conditions, with strong winds of over 65 km/h and 7-meter waves reported in the area.Rescue operations were immediately launched, with nearby fishing vessels and British Royal Air Force planes participating in the search and rescue efforts. The survivors, some of whom were found clinging to life rafts, are being taken to the King Edward VII Memorial Hospital in Stanley for medical evaluation.The Argos Georgia, a 54-meter-long and 13-meter-wide vessel built in 2018, was operated by the British-Norwegian shipping company Argos Froyanes and was engaged in fishing for black hake. The exact cause of the sinking is still under investigation, but preliminary reports suggest that the boat had suffered a hull breach.This maritime disaster has drawn international attention, with Spanish Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares closely monitoring the situation. The incident also serves as a reminder of the ongoing geopolitical sensitivities surrounding the Falkland Islands, which Argentina refers to as the Malvinas.
Key points
- The fishing boat Argos Georgia sank near the Falkland Islands on July 22, 2024, with 27 crew members on board.
- 14 crew members were rescued, at least six died, and seven remain missing.
- The multinational crew included Spanish, Russian, Indonesian, Uruguayan, and Peruvian nationals.
- Challenging weather conditions with strong winds and high waves contributed to the incident.
Contradictions👾Some sources report six deaths, while others mention eight.
This discrepancy might be due to ongoing rescue efforts and evolving information.
👾The exact number of missing crew members varies slightly between reports, with some stating seven and others five.
