After several weeks of joint rescue operation, the crew of Sea-Watch, Sea-Eye, and Mediterranea Saving Humans are now parting ways again. We set off into the search and rescue zone twice and rescued a total of 163 people from unseaworthy boats in several rescues.
High waves, deep night: In the early morning of March 8, we rescued 42 people from an overcrowded boat under difficult conditions and brought them safely on board the SEA-EYE 4. Initially, the Italian authorities directed us to the port of Crotone, around 740 kilometers away.
Two of them had to go to hospital – we wish them a fast recovery and lots of strength! All those people rescued have overcome unimaginable challenges. We wish them the strength to continue on their way.
On the way, we rescued another 80 people from three boats in distress until the early hours of March 9. With 122 rescued people on board, the Italian authorities finally instructed us to head for the port of Vibo Valencia. After a 30-hour crossing, our guests went ashore on March 10.
Previously, during the night of February 22, we brought 41 people safely on board the SEA-EYE 4, who were fleeing on an overcrowded boat in high waves. The Italian authorities directed us to the port of Naples. The crossing took us three days. A few days later, we were ready to rescue again.
Racist border policy: our response remains solidarity and resistance
Now, our crew is separating, but we will remain a joint fleet on our ships SEA-EYE 5, Mare Jonio, and Sea-Watch 5.
The cooperation was, is, and will remain a response to the ongoing deaths in the Mediterranean. Despite political resistance, including in Germany, the organizations remain true to their goals: to save human lives and draw attention to the systematic omission of state rescue operations. The joint rotation was not only a response to the acute emergency but also a sign of solidarity. European civil society must not stand by while people drown.
The stories of the 163 people, the emotional farewells, and their continued fight against the racist system are the motivation for us to continue – we stand side by side in solidarity with all people on the move.
A big thank you goes to the support of LeaveNoOneBehind and United4Rescue: together, we are stronger than any policy of isolation.
