365 days a year, Lighthouse Relief spotting volunteers scan the seas on the north shore of Lesvos, alerting response groups and our landing team of any incoming vessels. As packed, unseaworthy dinghies approach the rocky shoreline, these operations can often prove vital. Today, our team needs your support to purchase a new vehicle, a car that will allow us to reach remote spotting points and keep watch over the sea, day and night.
Lighthouse Relief is the only remaining organisation with dedicated spotting and landing teams on the north shore of Lesvos. Arrivals continue to increase, emphasising the lack of safe passage for people fleeing conflict and persecution. In September alone, we provided first assistance to over 2,800 new arrivals. Our spotting operations at cape Korakas and Lepetimnos are crucial to our ability to ensure safe arrival for those attempting the dangerous crossing, and respond to landings.
Your support will cover the cost of purchasing a new spotting car for Lighthouse Relief, allowing volunteers to continue their watch from Lepetimnos and the rocky headland of Korakas - one of the most dangerous landing spots on the north shore. In rough conditions, when boats land at Korakas, our spotters become the first responders. In these conditions, a fully operational, well stocked vehicle is key to their ability to provide assistance.
A new spotting vehicle would be a vital asset for LHR, enabling us to continue spotting and landing operations on Lesvos and maximise their efficiency. In the long term, LHR aims to provide full coverage, extending its spotting shifts from 21 to 24 hours a day, in recognition of their vital importance. LHR supports new arrivals with a warm welcome and first assistance, and works with partners on the ground and the local community to ensure that our programmes are responsive to all stakeholders.
