During the period spanning March 13-16, humanitarian vessels operating in the Central Mediterranean Sea responded to distress calls, embarking on rescue missions that saved hundreds of migrants from perilous situations. However, their noble efforts were met with challenges, including confrontations with Libyan patrol boats and protracted journeys to ensure the safe disembarkation of rescued passengers.
The Ocean Viking, operated jointly by SOS Mediterranee and the IFRC, undertook four distinct rescue operations during this timeframe, pulling 361 individuals—comprising men, women, and children—from drifting vessels. Tragically, amidst the rescue efforts, one survivor succumbed to injuries, adding to the toll of over 60 lives lost before aid could reach them.
Survivors shared harrowing accounts of their ordeals, recounting scenes of death, dehydration, and desperation while awaiting rescue. Among them was a 14-year-old Gambian boy who, having lost his parents, embarked on the perilous journey in search of a better life. Another survivor, unnamed, witnessed the agonizing demise of friends and the mental deterioration of fellow passengers as their boat languished at sea for days without sustenance.
While 25 of the rescued individuals were swiftly disembarked in Sicily for urgent medical attention, the remaining 336 are currently aboard the Ocean Viking, en route to Ancona in central Italy. Humanitarian organizations have urged for the designation of a closer port to expedite medical aid delivery.
In parallel, Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) reported a tense standoff with the Libyan Coast Guard, who purportedly obstructed the rescue of over 100 individuals aboard a wooden boat, placing lives at risk. MSF accused Libyan authorities of jeopardizing future rescue operations despite their obligation to ensure maritime safety.
Various NGOs, including Sea Watch International, condemned the incident as an “attempted hostage-taking,” while also criticizing EU support for Libyan militias. The confrontation persisted for over two hours before the Libyan Coast Guard withdrew, leaving behind threats.
These events underscore the gravity of the ongoing migrant crisis in the Mediterranean region. The International Organization for Migration (IOM) reported nearly 100 deaths or disappearances in January alone.
Furthermore, a recent report by SOS Humanity revealed that rescue vessels wasted 374 days last year due to Italian authorities assigning distant disembarkation ports, necessitating journeys exceeding 150,000 kilometers—equivalent to more than three and a half trips around the globe. The NGO deemed this practice a “political tactic” that impedes timely assistance to those in need.