Migrants rescued after boat breaks down off Libya

The humanitarian organisation SOS Méditerranée has rescued 14 migrants after their rubber boat broke down in the search-and-rescue zone off the Libyan coast.

The rescue was carried out on Friday by the organisation’s vessel, Ocean Viking, following an alert from Alarm Phone, a migrant distress hotline. SOS Méditerranée said its crew sailed overnight to the boat’s last known location after receiving the distress call.

The organisation said the inflatable boat was unseaworthy and had been drifting after its engine failed. Rescue teams also found that none of the 14 people aboard was wearing a life jacket.

Those rescued included three women and a girl. Most of the survivors were from Sudan, South Sudan and countries in the Horn of Africa, areas that have been affected by armed conflict, climate-related pressures and large-scale displacement.

SOS Méditerranée said the migrants were in stable condition but were suffering from exhaustion after spending a full day and night at sea. Some had also been exposed to fuel fumes for a prolonged period.

The survivors are receiving medical care and humanitarian assistance aboard Ocean Viking, which is expected to dock in the Italian port city of Brindisi on Monday, according to InfoMigrants.

The rescue comes amid continued efforts by humanitarian organisations to assist migrants attempting to cross the Mediterranean, one of the world’s most dangerous migration routes.