Help Us Keep Rescuing Refugees in Peril at Sea

Update Report - February 2024

As we embark on another year of life-saving missions in the Central Mediterranean, I am pleased to share our recent activities and ongoing challenges.

August 2023: Maritime Rescues

• Successful Rescues: The SEA EYE 4 and Refugee Rescue achieved a commendable feat by rescuing 114 individuals from three plastic boats. These survivors, fleeing the Benghazi region of Libya, were at sea for up to five days.
• Emergency Response: Facing critical situations, our teams responded promptly to distress signals, providing acute medical care and stabilizing casualties. The onboard medical team from @German Doctors played a vital role in ensuring the well-being of survivors.
• Legal Implications: Regrettably, our commitment to saving lives resulted in the SEA EYE 4 being detained and fined in Italy for violating a newly introduced law that restricts search and rescue vessels to one mission per voyage.

September 2023: Vessel Maintenance and Readiness

• Vessel Overhaul: After more than 25 years of service, Mo Chara underwent extensive maintenance at Burriana. Thanks to the dedication of our volunteer shipyard team, Mo Chara is now fully operational and ready for the challenges ahead.

October 2023: Collaborative Operations Continue

• Collaboration Success: In collaboration with Sea-Eye, the SEA-EYE 4 successfully completed a mission, rescuing 51 people in Brindisi, Italy.

November 2023: Tragedy and Interference

• Rescue Challenges: Despite successful rescues, we faced one of the darkest moments in our operations, with four lives lost, including an unborn child. The interference of a Libyan coastguard vessel further complicated the situation, endangering both lives and crew.

December 2023: Continued Commitment During the Holidays

• Christmas Operations: Choosing not to pause during the festive season, our teams operated off Malta, rescuing 106 people, including 45 minors, some as young as 5 and 6 years old.

February 2024: Maintenance Completed, New Challenges Ahead

• Readiness for 2024: Following weeks of meticulous maintenance at Burriana, both the SEA EYE 4 and Mo Chara are back on the water, prepared for the challenges that the new year may bring.

We remain steadfast in our commitment to saving lives, even in the face of legal constraints. Your continued support is crucial as we navigate complex waters and work tirelessly to uphold our humanitarian mission in the Mediterranean.