MARE*GO rescues distressed migrants

MARE*GO, a search and rescue vessel, civil fleet non-governmental organization  has recounted how it rescued a number of distressed migrants on international waters.

A statement by the organization said: “Yesterday, we were able to assist people on the move as soon as we woke up. We then had the possibility and duty of accompanying other people looking for safety, and while we were doing so, we spotted in the distance five more boats. We heard as well several calls for help on the ship radio to different positions.

“As soon as the people were safe, we acted fast and went to three boats.  They were drifting close to each other while the Italian Coast Guard assisted the other two. We distributed lifejackets and stayed close to the people so they know they are not alone, and we see the hardship they encounter and the resilience they have. When we finished, we decided to go for one of the positions we heard on the radio, and found another boat of people in the middle of the night alone.

“This boat sunk while we were with the people, fortunately we had already given lifejackets. This was a catastrophic and completely avoidable situation if people had freedom of movement. We took them on board of Mare*Go, and the Italian Coast Guard asked us to transfer the survivors to them with our RHIB. We did as requested for the safety of the people.”