New Rescue Mission Aims to Curb Migrant Death Toll
A new sea rescue operation is to be launched in May to try to reduce the number of refugees, migrants and asylum seekers killed making the treacherous crossing from Africa to Europe, medical charity Medecins sans Frontieres (MSF) and Migrant Offshore Aid Station (MOAS) said on Thursday. Last year was the deadliest on record when more than 3,400 people died trying to cross the Mediterranean, MSF said. This year, the death toll is expected to be even higher, MSF added. There is less help available for boats in distress since the Italian navy's search and rescue operation, Mare Nostrum, closed down in November last year because of a lack of funds.
Philanthropists to Set up Mediterranean Migrant Rescue Service
A philanthropist couple has spent millions of euros to buy a ship which they plan to use to rescue migrants from rickety boats in the centre of the Mediterranean. Malta-based Christopher and Regina Catrambone told the media that they felt compelled to act following an appeal by the Pope after several hundred African migrants drowned off the Italian island of Lampedusa in October. "I remember he had a message for all entrepreneurs, for all people, to do something. He didn't mean do something as in write a cheque, but he meant put your capability, put your heart, put your knowledge at the service of your brother and sister. And help them. So we looked at each other and thought ... we have to do something," said Regina Catrambone.
