Tristan da Cunha Economy News

Incident Involving FV Argos Georgia

On Monday morning 22nd July 2024, the fishing vessel Argos Georgia with 27 people on board, started taking on water about 200 miles east of Stanley in the Falkland Islands. The crew were forced to abandon ship before the vessel sank. In the ensuing search and rescue operation, 14 crew members were rescued and 9 bodies recovered. The operation continued in difficult conditions for some days, but the remaining four individuals are missing, presumed deceased.

Although Tristan was not directly involved in this incident, it has nonetheless distressed the island community, as they are unfortunately no strangers to such situations.

Statement from Administrator Philip Kendall

"It is with deep sadness that we heard about the tragic sinking of the Fishing Vessel (FV) Argos Georgia off the Falkland Islands earlier this week.

The fishing community in the South Atlantic is a close-knit family and the loss of any vessel affects us all. The confirmation that several lives were lost with the Argos Georgia makes this even more heart breaking.

Following the Governor's message on Wednesday, the Chief Islander, the Island Council, the whole community of Tristan da Cunha and I send our heartfelt thoughts to everyone affected by this tragedy."

26th July 2024

About the FV Argos Georgia The Argos Georgia was longline fishing vessel of 2,004 gross tonnage, built in Turkey in 2018 for operation in the Southern Ocean. She replaced an earlier vessel of the same name, and was one of the few ships registered in St Helena. Full specifications The ship was owned and operated by the Anglo-Norwegian company Argos Froyanes Ltd. Vessels from the company's fishing fleet have spent time in Tristan waters in the past on fisheries investigations and fisheries protection. The earlier vessel of the same name (now the FV Lyngholm) visited Tristan in 2010, and three Tristanians spent time onboard her for Fisheries Officer training.

The FV Argos Georgia. Photo: MercoPress

Further Information

• Incident Involving FV Argos Georgia, 23rd July 2024
• Incident Involving FV Argos Georgia - Update, 25th July 2024
• Press Release from the fishing company Argos Froyanes Ltd following the incident, 30th July 2024