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OceanViking rescues 48 people from overcrowded rubber boat
OceanViking has rescued 48 people from an overcrowded rubber boat.
SOS Mediterranee disclosed on its X handle.
It said: “Yesterday, following a VHF radio message from a NATO aircraft, #OceanViking rescued 48 people from an overcrowded rubber boat in the Libyan Search and Rescue Region. 90% of the survivors are unaccompanied minors.”
Towards the end of the rescue operation, SOS Mediterranee said the Libyan coast guards approached the scene at full speed, dangerously maneuvering. “Despite the unnecessary tension, @SOSMedIntl teams managed to bring everyone safely onboard Ocean Viking. Survivors are now resting inside the shelters.”
It added that authorities instructed Ravenna as Place of Safety, 1575 km away. This implies a 4-day navigation to reach it &4 days to be back to the area of operations, where we are most needed. SOS Mediterranee regretted that :”This distant port practice is emptying the Med of rescue assets and adding on to survivors’ suffering.”