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SummarySince 2014, more than 23,000 people have lost their lives or have been recorded missing in the Central Mediterranean Sea, making it one of the world’s deadliest migratory routes. The actual number of fatalities is likely much higher than the officially recorded numbers.
Every day, many people risk their lives at sea, in search of safety and a better life. They might have fled from conflict zones, or from inhumane conditions, as documented by several reports. They travel in unseaworthy, overloaded boats and face a life-threatening journey.
In order to respond to this humanitarian imperative, in July 2021, the IFRC entered a partnership with SOS MEDITERRANEE (SOS MED) – a European maritime and humanitarian organization conducting search and rescue operations to save lives in the Central Mediterranean. The operation is conducted from the rescue ship Ocean Viking.
While SOS MED focuses on search and rescue at sea, the IFRC team focuses on providing humanitarian post-rescue services. This includes medical care, first aid, psychosocial support, food, distribution of non-food items and information about the asylum procedure in Europe, with a specific focus on Italy.
