A Spanish fishing vessel, the Argos Georgia, sank in the South Atlantic on Monday, resulting in the deaths of at least nine crew members and leaving four missing.
The 27-person crew, composed of sailors from Spain, Russia, Indonesia, Uruguay, and Peru, abandoned ship when it began taking on water approximately 200 nautical miles from the Falkland Islands. While 14 crew members were rescued by nearby fishing vessels and a patrol boat, the search for the remaining four continues.
The rescue efforts were hampered by severe weather conditions in the region, including gale-force winds and high waves. A military helicopter was forced to suspend its search due to the deteriorating weather.
The Spanish government has confirmed the deaths of two Spanish crew members, while two others are among the missing. The rescued survivors are being transported to Port Stanley for medical treatment.
The cause of the sinking is still under investigation, but initial reports suggest uncontrolled flooding of the vessel. The fishing company owning the Argos Georgia has declined to comment on the incident.
