163 distressed migrants rescued in four international waters

No fewer than 163 distressed people were rescued from four international waters last night. 

SOS Humanity ( International) which made the revelation said the rescue happened within eight hours.  The statement reads: “Yesterday evening and last night, the crew of #Humanity1 rescued a total of 163 people from distress at sea in four rescues in international waters within just 8 hours. 2 people had to be emergency evacuated. 

“An overview of the events:

 Last night, in a 2nd rescue, the crew of #Humanity1 rescued 27 people from a metal boat in distress with coordination from MRCC Rome. Among them are a pregnant woman and several unaccompanied minors. The rescue was completed by 9 pm. 

_ 2 of the 36 survivors from the 1st rescue were emergency evacuated by the Italian Coast Guard just afterward. Their health condition had deteriorated. Their boat was at sea for 5 days – several days without water & food, survivors had to drink seawater. 

“In stormy weather, 39 people were rescued from distress at sea in a 3rd rescue, including many women and two infants. Several of the survivors show signs of physical violence. The rescue, coordinated by MRCC Rome, was completed at 11 pm. 

“In the early hours of the morning, 46 and 51 people were rescued from two further metal boats in distress in a 4th and 5th rescue. Both boats were spotted from aboard Humanity 1 and the rescues were authorised by MRCC Rome. 

“After last night, the survivors and crew members are exhausted. #Humanity1 continues heading towards the assigned port of #Ortona. There are now 197 survivors safely on board and being cared for, among them more than 30 women and 40 minors.”