The Ocean Viking, the SOS Méditerranée boat, is patrolling the sea between Sicily, Libya and Tunisia. How is the situation developing?
Badly. Departures from North African coasts are constant, but rescue organizations are becoming rarer. This is due to the fact that rescue boats are being sent back to distant ports, and to the ban on several rescues in a row. While Sicily is only a few hours away, we now have to go up to northern Italy to drop off the shipwrecked. It takes us ten days to make the round trip. This longer journey means massive fuel consumption, which is beyond the budgets of many organizations, who are forced to stay alongside. But this drop in rescues has no deterrent effect on departures. People are simply dying a lot more. It’s a quiet, discreet tragedy.
How many people did you save last year?
We took 1,948 people on board, 15% of whom were women and 40% minors. The overwhelming majority are unaccompanied by their parents. Most are not wearing life jackets. Those shown in the photos are supplied by our teams.
What impact does the arrival of summer have on migratory flows?
The weather is a determining factor. Summer is an ideal time for departures. We’re expecting an upsurge in problems. Smugglers put young men at the helm of makeshift boats. They have no idea of the distance to be covered, and often only enough fuel to reach international waters.
Departures from Africa are also made in the Atlantic, towards the Canaries…
Since the beginning of 2024, there has been a sharp increase in departures from Senegal, the Gambia and elsewhere. In this region, the area to be monitored is immense, and maritime patrols are largely inadequate. Airborne resources are needed to spot boats in distress.
What about international law?
It is being flouted. By prohibiting us from carrying out several rescues in a row, the European authorities are forcing us to renounce the unconditional nature of the rescue, which is enshrined in international law. If we do so, however, it creates a diplomatic precedent that could be held against us once we return to territorial waters.
How can we help you?
By supporting us financially. Times are hard for NGOs. In our case, 80% of donations go directly to Ocean Viking. The aid we receive goes directly into the field. Another way to support us is to come to our concert in Geneva on September 25.
Link to get your tickets for the September 25 concert