A German humanitarian organisation has rescued nearly 90 migrants in two separate operations in the Mediterranean, including dozens stranded on an abandoned oil platform off Libya’s coast.
The group, Resqship, said its vessel located 47 migrants on the Didon oil platform within Libya’s search and rescue zone. The individuals had reportedly been stranded for around 10 hours before being safely evacuated.
According to the organisation, the rescue took place without disruption, although a unit from the Libyan Coast Guard arrived at the scene during the operation.
Resqship said its crew transferred all migrants safely onto their vessel, providing urgent assistance after hours of exposure at sea. The group included vulnerable individuals, such as a pregnant woman, minors, and an infant.
Following the Libya operation, the same crew was called to assist in another emergency in Tunisian waters. There, they rescued 43 additional migrants from two unseaworthy boats, in coordination with Tunisian authorities.
All those rescued were later transported to Lampedusa, considered the nearest safe port. The organisation confirmed that all individuals received basic humanitarian support during the transfer.
Resqship and other NGOs operating in the Mediterranean have previously accused Libyan authorities of obstructing rescue missions, including claims of interference and threats. Libyan officials have not commented on the latest operation.
Libya remains a key departure point for migrants attempting to reach Europe, many fleeing conflict and poverty in sub-Saharan Africa. The central Mediterranean route continues to be one of the world’s most dangerous migration corridors.
The latest rescues highlight ongoing risks faced by migrants, as well as the complex coordination required between humanitarian groups and regional authorities in managing maritime emergencies.