Humanity 1 rescues 10 minors, 55 others in distress at sea

SOS Humanity (International)  search-and-rescue vessel, Humanity 1 has rescued 65 people, including 10 minors and four women, after they were found in distress at sea following a journey from Libya.

According to a statement by SOS Humanity (International)  on X, the rescue operation was carried out on Wednesday afternoon after the migrants had reportedly spent three days exposed to the open sea and extreme heat.

According to the Humanity 1 crew, the distress situation was reported by Alarm Phone and reconnaissance aircraft Albatross Uno, which helped alert rescuers to the migrants’ location.

The survivors were found exhausted and dehydrated and are now receiving emergency medical care aboard the Humanity 1.

The rescue organisation criticised European migration policies, accusing European governments of abandoning people in distress while search-and-rescue organisations face increasing scrutiny and criticism.

“It was civil society that rescued these people,” the crew said, stressing that it would continue its search-and-rescue operations despite political opposition.

The organisation said it would continue to rescue people in distress at sea, document their experiences and provide protection to those in need.