Fourteen fishermen stranded in lifeboats off the coast of the Falkland Islands have been rescued, but seven people remain missing and six others are feared dead, reports The Guardian. 

The Argos Georgia, a 53.85-meter longliner operating under the British Overseas Territory flag of St. Helena, experienced uncontrolled flooding and sank early on July 23, 200 nautical miles east of Stanly, the Falklands' capital. 

The Falklands' government reported that the Argos Georgia, carrying 27 crew members, issued a distress call on the evening of July 22 before sinking.

Ten Spanish citizens, including the captain, as well as Russian, Indonesian, Uruguayan, and Peruvian nationals, were among the crew. According to Spanish media, despite having three lifeboats on board, only two were fully inflated.

Rescue efforts included a fishing patrol boat in the area that saved 13 crew members, while another ship recovered two lifeless bodies, and a third vessel found one survivor and another deceased crew member. The identities of the deceased have not yet been disclosed.

"My thoughts are with the fishermen who disappeared in the Falkland Islands and their families. We sincerely hope that this rescue will be completed soon," said Carmen Crespo, president of the fisheries committee of the European Parliament.

The Argos Georgia had departed Port Stanley on Sunday night, heading to fishing grounds, but it encountered severe weather, with winds exceeding 35 knots, seven-meter waves, and frigid temperatures.

The British Royal Air Force tracked the life rafts, coordinating with other vessels for the rescue. However, a search and rescue helicopter mission was aborted late Monday due to "extremely challenging weather conditions," the Falklands' government stated.

"As of [Tuesday] morning, weather conditions mean the search area remains out of limits for helicopter SAR [search and rescue] operations, but the situation is being reviewed regularly with a view to resuming operations as soon as possible," the statement added.

The Argos Georgia, built in 2018, can accommodate 28 people. Managed by Argos Froyanes, a joint British-Norwegian company, the firm emphasized the professionalism and regular safety training of its crew.

"Our crew members are true professionals and have regular training for such a situation," the company said. "We trust in their ability to use the safety equipment to the best of their ability."