The German humanitarian vessel Sea-Eye 5 has carried out its largest mission yet, rescuing 144 migrants from a distressed wooden boat in the Central Mediterranean.
The operation, which took place on Sunday, proved especially challenging due to the high number of people requiring immediate assistance. Many of those rescued were suffering from dehydration and malnutrition. According to the ship’s doctor, several were in critical condition, including a pregnant woman.
Italian coast guard officials later evacuated two severely ill patients along with 51 others. The remaining 91 people were eventually disembarked in the southern Italian port city of Taranto on Tuesday, following a 40-hour journey from the rescue zone.
Sea-Eye said it had requested a closer port, citing overcrowding and the limited capacity of its vessel, but Italian authorities directed the ship to Taranto.
This latest operation underscores the ongoing humanitarian work of non-governmental organisations in the Mediterranean, where thousands of migrants continue to attempt the perilous sea crossing each year in search of safety and better opportunities in Europe.
