Sea-Watch 5 was christened in Hamburg at the beginning of November 2022 and converted into a rescue ship in Flensburg. In its first rescue mission on 24.12.2023, our crew was able to save 119 people from distress at sea.
Within a year, we were involved in the rescue of 1,173 people with the Sea-Watch 5.
The Sea-Watch 5 is our response to the European Union’s lack of action. This rescue ship is a symbol of solidarity and cohesion. For support and assistance. For persevering and carrying on.
You can become a part of her story – come on board and support the Sea-Watch 5’s missions with your donation or become a supporting member!
Younger: Being built in 2010 the Sea-Watch 5 is young and is in particularly good condition. An extensive engine overhaul was also recently completed.
Faster: Her maximum speed is 13 knots, so we can reach distressed vessels even faster. This is particularly important when boats are very far away.
Larger: The deck area capacity is 230m², offering space for up to 500 guests. This size makes the stay of rescued persons safer and more comfortable.
More efficient: Shorter shipyard times allow us to go on rescue missions even more often. In the long term, we will also have lower fixed costs.
In a strong alliance: With Sea-Watch 4 (now Humanity 1) as our first alliance ship, we have set an example of solidarity. Sea-Watch 5, together with United4Rescue and hundreds of alliance partners, will also advocate against letting people drown.
With the EU and its member states competing in a race to the bottom regarding human rights, this proposal aims at setting a counterpoint, by laying out an EU led rescue programme in the central Mediterranean sea. Saving lives at sea and receiving people in a humane way is possible, also at low costs and with broad support across the population.
Our vision is a world in which borders, racism, injustice, and inequality have been overcome and all people are able to live and move in a self-determined, free, and safe way.
