Two dead, three missing as MSF rescues migrants

About two people have been reported to have died and three people missing as MSF rescued over 80 distressed migrants in the Central Mediterranean.

Narrating its efforts in rescuing the victims, the organization said: “Last night, #MSF witnessed firsthand the tragedy playing out in the Central Med.

“Over 80 people were rescued during two critical rescue operations conducted by our team.

“1 person was found dead & another 1 passed away on #GeoBarents.3 people are reported missing.

“While on its way to assess an alert shared by #Frontex about people in distress on an abandoned Tunisian oil platform in the international waters, off the Libyan coasts, the #MSF team received a second alert from @alarm_phone regarding a rubber boat in distress in the vicinity.”

After rescuing over 60 people from the rubber boat in distress and bringing them safely on board #GeoBarents, it said, the team found one dead body in the boat.

“Another person in critical condition passed away on #GeoBarents shortly after.

“Following Italian authorities’ instructions to coordinate with Tunisian authorities, the #MSF team then continued to the oil rig where they found 19 people.

“The 19 survivors told #MSF staff their boat had started to embark water so they swam to the platform in an attempt to shelter.

“Three people traveling with them remained on the distressed boat which drifted & could not be found by our team.”

All the survivors, MSF Sea said are now recovering and cared for on #GeoBarents after these traumatic ordeals.

“We have asked to disembark in the closest place of safety possible to ensure a dignified burial for the deceased people & appropriate care for the survivors as soon as possible.”