The organization SOS Mediterranee has reported that its vessel, the Ocean Viking, conducted a rescue operation for 25 migrants found off the Libyan coast on a rubber boat. These individuals had been at sea for approximately one week.
Based in Marseille, France, SOS Mediterranee indicated that the rescued persons shared accounts of others who did not survive the journey and are now missing.
The group underscored the need for substantial medical support for the survivors, who were described as being in a delicate state both physically and mentally.
An urgent request for medical evacuation was made for two individuals in unconscious and critical condition.
Since its inception in 2016, SOS Mediterranee has facilitated the rescue of more than 39,000 people in the Mediterranean, focusing on the central sector, recognized as the most dangerous route for migrants.
The International Organization for Migration (IOM), a UN agency, reported that in 2023, there were 3,105 migrants reported dead or missing in their attempt to cross the Mediterranean to Europe. From January of the current year, 278 migrants have been reported dead or missing, according to the IOM.
In December, the IOM disclosed that 61 migrants, including women and children, perished when their boat sank off the Libyan coast. The vessel, which carried about 86 individuals, had set out from Zuwara, Libya.
Survivors, originating from countries such as Nigeria and Gambia, recounted how rough seas overwhelmed their boat. The IOM confirmed that 25 individuals were rescued and received medical care, affirming their stable health condition.
Furthermore, four Maltese NGOs criticized Malta’s role in coordinating returns to Libya. These groups, including the Jesuit Refugee Service Malta, aditus Foundation, Moviment Graffitti, and SAR Malta Network, urged Malta to cease pushbacks and end cooperation with Libyan militias accused of trafficking and human rights abuses.
Investigations by MaltaToday and its partners revealed that a Libyan militia has conducted pushbacks from the Maltese search and rescue zone, with at least one instance of the Maltese army providing migrant coordinates to this group.
The organizations also called for Malta to fulfill its international obligations by rescuing individuals in distress within its search and rescue zone and promptly processing their asylum claims.
