Ship Ocean Viking rescues 48 migrants off Libya

The humanitarian rescue ship Ocean Viking, operated by SOS Méditerranée, rescued 48 migrants on November 26 from a distressed boat off the Libyan coast. The majority of those saved were minors, a fact underscoring the vulnerability of the group. The rescue operation was initiated following a VHF radio alert from a NATO surveillance plane, which reported the migrants’ precarious situation.

The rescued individuals are primarily from The Gambia and Guinea-Bissau, according to a statement from SOS Méditerranée. The organization confirmed that all survivors are now safe and recuperating in onboard shelters. Ocean Viking is set to sail for four days to reach the Italian port of Ravenna in northeastern Italy, located 1,575 kilometers from the rescue site, where the migrants will be disembarked.

Guinea-Bissau, one of the world’s poorest and most corruption-stricken nations, is emblematic of the hardships faced by migrants from West Africa. Many undertake the perilous journey across the Mediterranean in search of better opportunities, despite the high risks involved.

This rescue highlights the ongoing migration crisis in the Mediterranean. According to the International Organization for Migration (IOM), nearly 1,985 migrants attempting to reach Europe have died or gone missing in the Mediterranean since the start of the year. These figures underscore the grave dangers of this migration route, often referred to as the world’s deadliest sea crossing.

SOS Méditerranée continues to play a critical role in saving lives in the Mediterranean, drawing attention to the urgent need for international cooperation to address the root causes of migration and ensure safe and legal pathways for those seeking refuge. The organization’s efforts, such as this latest rescue, demonstrate the pressing humanitarian challenges tied to migration in the region.