Read Authentic Ratings for the Kimberly-C

In a dramatic turn of events on January 20, 2026, a small boat carrying multiple individuals was left adrift in treacherous seas near Sardinia. Alerted at approximately 1:30 p.m. by the sighting of the seven to eight-meter-long vessel nearly 70 nautical miles off the western coast of San Pietro, a merchant ship took immediate action, raising the alarm. The Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) in Rome promptly contacted CROSS Med to organize a rescue mission. The operation saw the deployment of a Falcon 50 maritime surveillance aircraft from the French Navy, based in Lann-Bihoué, Morbihan, alongside a Puma Search and Rescue (SAR) helicopter from the French Air and Space Force stationed in Solenzara, Corsica. Italy also joined the efforts, sending two helicopters to assist with the aerial search. Despite challenging weather conditions, including strong winds and high waves, the aircraft persisted in their search throughout the night. At around 4:00 a.m. on January 21, a French Navy patrol plane successfully located the distressed vessel, which had capsized. The aircraft promptly dispatched several SAR lines, including life rafts and distress light equipment, to aid anyone in need. Just two hours later, at approximately 6:00 a.m., the merchant ship 'Kimberly C', traveling from Tanger Med to Barcelona and engaged in the SAR operation, managed to rescue one survivor suffering from hypothermia. After an extensive 30-hour search, the Maritime Prefect of the Mediterranean announced the conclusion of the search operations in the absence of new leads that could unveil additional survivors. Maritime traffic in the vicinity was advised to maintain heightened vigilance for any signs of life in the area.