Heroic: In two separate sea rescue operations off the coast of Libya, more than 80 migrants were saved, but two individuals lost their lives and three are currently missing, as reported by the Doctors Without Borders (MSF) charity on Sunday. MSF’s vessel, Geo Barents, conducted the rescues, picking up over 60 people from a distressed rubber dinghy in international waters off Libya. Unfortunately, one person onboard died shortly after being rescued. Another 19 individuals were rescued from a nearby abandoned Tunisian offshore oil platform. According to the migrants, they swam to the platform after their boat began taking in water. Tragically, three individuals who remained on the boat are now missing.
Mediterranean sea crossings from North Africa to Italy or Malta are notorious for being among the most perilous migration routes globally. In 2021, nearly 2,500 migrants either died or went missing on these routes, according to the International Organization for Migration.
The survivors of these recent rescue operations are currently receiving care on the Geo Barents. MSF has requested permission for them to disembark at the nearest safe location. Typically, charity vessels take rescued migrants to Italy, but the country’s right-wing government often designates disembarkation ports that are distant, requiring several days of navigation to reach them. This situation adds additional challenges and uncertainties for the rescued individuals after enduring traumatic experiences at sea.
