The “Ocean Viking” ship rescued 41 migrants on Tuesday, just a few miles off the Libyan coast. The migrants were struggling to survive on a dilapidated wooden boat.
Among the rescued were two minors, sharing the perilous journey with others in their attempt to reach Europe.
The rescue team worked together to bring the migrants to safety. One of the migrants was suffering from hypothermia, while others had burns from leaked fuel.
Since 2016, SOS Mediterranee, the organization operating the ship, has been conducting humanitarian efforts in the Mediterranean Sea. They have rescued over 40,000 people from drowning, particularly in the central Mediterranean, known as the most dangerous migration route in the world.
The International Organization for Migration (IOM) reported that between 19 and 25 May 2024, a total of 233 migrants were intercepted and returned to Libya. This period saw intensified efforts by Libyan authorities to manage the flow of migrants attempting to cross the Mediterranean Sea to reach Europe.
Libya continues to be a major transit point for migrants and refugees fleeing conflict, persecution, and poverty in Africa and the Middle East. Despite the dangers of crossing the Mediterranean, many migrants embark on this perilous journey in hopes of reaching European shores and seeking a better life.
The IOM has repeatedly expressed concerns about the conditions in Libyan detention centers, where migrants often face overcrowding, inadequate facilities, and human rights abuses. The organization continues to call for international support to improve the living conditions and ensure the protection of migrants in Libya.
The International Organization for Migration (IOM) announced that it has voluntarily repatriated 80,000 irregular migrants from Libya to their home countries. This initiative is part of the IOM’s voluntary return program.
According to a statement from the organization, “Since 2015, the IOM has assisted 80,000 migrants in returning safely and with dignity from Libya to their countries of origin through the Voluntary Humanitarian Return program.”
“This initiative has provided a critical lifeline for stranded migrants from over 49 different nationalities across Africa and Asia who wish to return home and rebuild their lives.”
