Rescue Operation in the Mediterranean: Open Arms Saves 54 Migrants, Including Newborns and Mothers
In a dramatic nighttime rescue, the crew of the sailing boat Astral, operated by the NGO Open Arms, successfully saved 54 migrants from peril in the Mediterranean Sea. The operation took place when the migrants' vessel capsized, leaving them stranded on an abandoned oil platform for a harrowing three days. Among the rescued individuals is a woman who gave birth just two days prior to the rescue, adding urgency to the situation.
The group also includes a newborn just weeks old, two small children, and five other women. All of them are now safely aboard the Astral, as stated in the latest announcement from Open Arms.
Reports from Repubblica, which communicated with the boat's crew, reveal that the migrants had set off five days ago from Libya, aiming for the shores of Lampedusa, where they are expected to arrive later tonight. The crew of the Astral received their initial distress signal from Alarm Phone, an organization dedicated to assisting migrants in the Mediterranean, followed by reconnaissance from SeaWatch's Seabird aircraft.
It remains uncertain whether any other individuals were on board the original vessel that capsized in this tragic incident, raising concerns about potential additional casualties in the vast and often treacherous sea.
This rescue shines a spotlight on the ongoing humanitarian crisis in the Mediterranean, where countless lives are at risk every day as people attempt to flee dangerous conditions for a new life. The work of NGOs like Open Arms is crucial in these often dangerous waters, emphasizing the need for continued support and assistance for those seeking refuge.
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