Working Conditions Aboard the Marietje-Andrea

The search for two Filipino sailors who went overboard from the cargo vessel 'Marietje Andrea' on December 5 during its journey from Rotterdam to Riga has officially been called off. Despite a comprehensive search operation, which began around 1:39 PM with a rescue helicopter, Lifeguard 907, taking off from Sturup after refueling, no trace of the missing individuals was found. The search area was meticulously scoured, but adverse weather conditions complicated the efforts significantly, with wind speeds exceeding 20 m/s and wave heights reaching between 3 to 4 meters. At approximately 1:40 PM, several merchant vessels were acknowledged for their contributions and allowed to continue on their respective routes. The lifeboat 'Gad Rausing' returned to its base, while the 'KBV 202' made its way to port. Surveillance aircraft KBV 502 also departed for Skavsta Airport, and the Danish helicopter R520 set off for Rönne. Meanwhile, the 'Marietje Andrea', along with 'KBV 003', the lifeboat 'Elsa Johansson', and Lifeguard 907, remained in the vicinity to assist in the search. By 3:30 PM, the 'Elsa Johansson' had concluded its search and returned to port. After six hours of extensive searching without any sign of the sailors, and with darkness setting in and weather conditions deteriorating, the search was officially terminated at 3:40 PM. Local authorities in Skåne will handle the subsequent investigation. Those involved in the operation were thanked for their tremendous efforts. Following the incident, the 'Marietje Andrea' continued its voyage to Riga with a reduced crew, successfully docking at 2:25 AM on December 7. For further updates on the incident, Swedish reports with visuals can be found at: [SJOFART](http://www.sjofartsverket.se/sv/Sjofart/Sjo--och-flygraddning/JRCC-Online/Tva-personer-overbord-soder-om-Ystad/?RescueType=1&Status=1&Period=2) and [KUSTBEVAKNINGEN](http://www.kustbevakningen.se/sv/granslos-samverkan/nyhetsarkiv/resultatlost-sokande-efter-tva-man/).

On December 5, 2013, at 8:28 a.m., the Swedish Maritime Administration received a distress call from the 'Marietje Andrea,' which had just lost two crew members overboard near Ystad. The missing men, both cousins from the Philippines, were aged 26 and 27. The younger sailor was on his inaugural voyage from Vlaardingen to Riga, while the older had years of experience working for the shipping company, Danser van Gent. Following breakfast and a meeting in the wheelhouse at 8 a.m., the two men proceeded to the foreship to clean the deck around the anchor winches. At approximately 8:15 a.m., the helmsman heard a horrifying scream emanating from the open door of the wheelhouse on the port side. Upon rushing out, he spotted both men struggling in the water. The vessel promptly executed a turn, initiating a Man Overboard (MOB) alarm and deploying lifesaving equipment into the sea. Tragically, the sailors were not equipped with immersion suits or life vests, only wearing overalls at the time of the incident. The weather conditions were challenging, with winds blowing at 15-20 m/s from the south-southeast, and wave heights starting to increase. The water temperature was recorded at just eight degrees Celsius. A comprehensive search operation was launched, mobilizing four merchant vessels alongside the 'Marietje Andrea.' Resources included the Lifeguard 907 helicopter, a Danish helicopter, surveillance aircraft 502, and patrol boats 'KBV 003 - Amfitrite,' 'KBV 202,' as well as the lifeboats 'Gad Rausing' and 'Elsa Johansson.' The Joint Rescue Coordination Centre (JRCC) coordinated the mission, with 'KBV 003' serving as the On Scene Coordinator. Despite the extensive efforts, only a man overboard buoy from the 'Marietje Andrea' was located within the search area of 7.4 km by 7.4 km. By 12:45 a.m., visibility conditions had worsened significantly. The Helicopter R507 temporarily returned to Rönne for refueling and was replaced by the Danish Sjövärnets helicopter, R520. Additional helicopters involved in the search were also forced to pause operations due to adverse weather. For more detailed coverage, you can view the Swedish report with photos [here](http://www.ystadsallehanda.se/ystad/article2038350/Man-over-bord-ute-till-havs.html).