SOS MEDITERRANEE
@sosmediterranee.org
European Organisation for the Rescue of Lives at Sea. Updates from our Search and Rescue operations in the Central Mediterranean #OceanViking #TogetherForRescue
Yesterday, with Humanitarian Pilots Initiative, #Albatross completed its first operational flight! ✈️
It spotted two empty boats likely intercepted by the Libyan Coast Guard, and later a boat in distress with around 40 people, later rescued by @en.sea-watch.org’s Aurora. ❤️
It spotted two empty boats likely intercepted by the Libyan Coast Guard, and later a boat in distress with around 40 people, later rescued by @en.sea-watch.org’s Aurora. ❤️
November 13, 2025 at 11:46 AM
Yesterday, with Humanitarian Pilots Initiative, #Albatross completed its first operational flight! ✈️
It spotted two empty boats likely intercepted by the Libyan Coast Guard, and later a boat in distress with around 40 people, later rescued by @en.sea-watch.org’s Aurora. ❤️
It spotted two empty boats likely intercepted by the Libyan Coast Guard, and later a boat in distress with around 40 people, later rescued by @en.sea-watch.org’s Aurora. ❤️
We’re back up and watching from above! ✈️
SOS MEDITERRANEE is launching Albatross, a new aerial monitoring mission with Humanitarian Pilots Initiative. From the sky, we’ll document boats in distress at sea and human rights violations.
Support Albatross today: www.sosmediterranee.org/albatross-a-...
SOS MEDITERRANEE is launching Albatross, a new aerial monitoring mission with Humanitarian Pilots Initiative. From the sky, we’ll document boats in distress at sea and human rights violations.
Support Albatross today: www.sosmediterranee.org/albatross-a-...
November 6, 2025 at 2:23 PM
We’re back up and watching from above! ✈️
SOS MEDITERRANEE is launching Albatross, a new aerial monitoring mission with Humanitarian Pilots Initiative. From the sky, we’ll document boats in distress at sea and human rights violations.
Support Albatross today: www.sosmediterranee.org/albatross-a-...
SOS MEDITERRANEE is launching Albatross, a new aerial monitoring mission with Humanitarian Pilots Initiative. From the sky, we’ll document boats in distress at sea and human rights violations.
Support Albatross today: www.sosmediterranee.org/albatross-a-...
Off the coast of #Tunisia, 40 people seeking safety, including mothers, fathers and babies have tragically drowned. 💔
Once again, the #Mediterranean claims lives that could have been saved.
We must act now to prevent more deaths.
🔗: www.bbc.com/news/article...
Once again, the #Mediterranean claims lives that could have been saved.
We must act now to prevent more deaths.
🔗: www.bbc.com/news/article...
October 23, 2025 at 2:15 PM
Off the coast of #Tunisia, 40 people seeking safety, including mothers, fathers and babies have tragically drowned. 💔
Once again, the #Mediterranean claims lives that could have been saved.
We must act now to prevent more deaths.
🔗: www.bbc.com/news/article...
Once again, the #Mediterranean claims lives that could have been saved.
We must act now to prevent more deaths.
🔗: www.bbc.com/news/article...
Days after the agreement by Italy to pursue its funding of deadly Libyan Coast Guard, at least 3 people lost their lives in two shipwrecks off Lampedusa.
20 people are missing and feared dead.
They seek safety and find violence or death at sea.
#EU must stop its complicity.
👉 tinyurl.com/2s3r62tj
20 people are missing and feared dead.
They seek safety and find violence or death at sea.
#EU must stop its complicity.
👉 tinyurl.com/2s3r62tj
Dozens feared dead in the latest Mediterranean shipwreck spark protests in Rome
Dozens of migrants are reported to be missing and feared dead after a boat that capsized off the coast of the Italian island of Lampedusa. The news triggered protests in Rome over the controversial It...
www.infomigrants.net
October 20, 2025 at 3:37 PM
Days after the agreement by Italy to pursue its funding of deadly Libyan Coast Guard, at least 3 people lost their lives in two shipwrecks off Lampedusa.
20 people are missing and feared dead.
They seek safety and find violence or death at sea.
#EU must stop its complicity.
👉 tinyurl.com/2s3r62tj
20 people are missing and feared dead.
They seek safety and find violence or death at sea.
#EU must stop its complicity.
👉 tinyurl.com/2s3r62tj
Once again, an opportunity to break the cycle of suffering at sea has been missed by the Italian government.
With the #Italy-#Libya deal set to continue, so will the violations and forced returns.
We remain committed to protecting people on the move. Lives depend on it.
With the #Italy-#Libya deal set to continue, so will the violations and forced returns.
We remain committed to protecting people on the move. Lives depend on it.
October 17, 2025 at 2:41 PM
Once again, an opportunity to break the cycle of suffering at sea has been missed by the Italian government.
With the #Italy-#Libya deal set to continue, so will the violations and forced returns.
We remain committed to protecting people on the move. Lives depend on it.
With the #Italy-#Libya deal set to continue, so will the violations and forced returns.
We remain committed to protecting people on the move. Lives depend on it.
On 05/09, Italian authorities grounded @PVolontaires’ Colibri 2 for 20 days and fined them €100,000 - for upholding maritime law & help saving lives.
It further restricts already limited rescue capacity in the Central Mediterranean.
A grounded aircraft means more lives lost.
It further restricts already limited rescue capacity in the Central Mediterranean.
A grounded aircraft means more lives lost.
September 17, 2025 at 3:24 PM
On 05/09, Italian authorities grounded @PVolontaires’ Colibri 2 for 20 days and fined them €100,000 - for upholding maritime law & help saving lives.
It further restricts already limited rescue capacity in the Central Mediterranean.
A grounded aircraft means more lives lost.
It further restricts already limited rescue capacity in the Central Mediterranean.
A grounded aircraft means more lives lost.
We're working to get back to sea - because people are still risking everything, and their stories must be heard. With rescue ships detained and silenced, we’re one of the last witnesses out there. Today, we share the story of Samir and Sonia:
youtu.be/b6onx1Thffo
youtu.be/b6onx1Thffo
From Eritrea to Tripoli: Survival Amid Conflict and Discrimination
YouTube video by SOS MEDITERRANEE
youtu.be
September 17, 2025 at 9:58 AM
We're working to get back to sea - because people are still risking everything, and their stories must be heard. With rescue ships detained and silenced, we’re one of the last witnesses out there. Today, we share the story of Samir and Sonia:
youtu.be/b6onx1Thffo
youtu.be/b6onx1Thffo
The attacks on the Ocean Viking by the Libyan Coast Guard on 24/08 caused significant material damage to the ship and rescue equipment.
Our operations will be on hold until we are fully ready to resume our life-saving mission and after assessing how we can go back at sea safely.
Our operations will be on hold until we are fully ready to resume our life-saving mission and after assessing how we can go back at sea safely.
September 15, 2025 at 3:11 PM
The attacks on the Ocean Viking by the Libyan Coast Guard on 24/08 caused significant material damage to the ship and rescue equipment.
Our operations will be on hold until we are fully ready to resume our life-saving mission and after assessing how we can go back at sea safely.
Our operations will be on hold until we are fully ready to resume our life-saving mission and after assessing how we can go back at sea safely.
"In a sea of silence, abandonment and violence, they offer the rarest thing: someone is still looking for you. […]
That your life matters."
Journalist @alexhowl.bsky.social was onboard the #OceanViking during 2 rescues and the shootings by Libyan Coast Guard. 👇
www.service95.com/the-reality-...
That your life matters."
Journalist @alexhowl.bsky.social was onboard the #OceanViking during 2 rescues and the shootings by Libyan Coast Guard. 👇
www.service95.com/the-reality-...
The Reality Of Europe’s Border Crisis: This Is Life Onboard Migrant Rescue Ships
It was late afternoon, the heat thick and unmoving, when the call came through. I was the only journalist aboard the Ocean Viking, a search-and-rescue ship patrolling the Central Mediterranean, wh
www.service95.com
September 12, 2025 at 2:50 PM
"In a sea of silence, abandonment and violence, they offer the rarest thing: someone is still looking for you. […]
That your life matters."
Journalist @alexhowl.bsky.social was onboard the #OceanViking during 2 rescues and the shootings by Libyan Coast Guard. 👇
www.service95.com/the-reality-...
That your life matters."
Journalist @alexhowl.bsky.social was onboard the #OceanViking during 2 rescues and the shootings by Libyan Coast Guard. 👇
www.service95.com/the-reality-...
Crew members were scattered around the Ocean Viking when it was being shot massively by Libyan Coast Guard on the 24/08.
They recall their thoughts as they struggled to take shelter and protect the 87 survivors onboard, while bullets were targeting them all around the ship.
They recall their thoughts as they struggled to take shelter and protect the 87 survivors onboard, while bullets were targeting them all around the ship.
September 11, 2025 at 11:13 AM
Crew members were scattered around the Ocean Viking when it was being shot massively by Libyan Coast Guard on the 24/08.
They recall their thoughts as they struggled to take shelter and protect the 87 survivors onboard, while bullets were targeting them all around the ship.
They recall their thoughts as they struggled to take shelter and protect the 87 survivors onboard, while bullets were targeting them all around the ship.
Recordings on the bridge of the Ocean Viking during the shooting of 24/08 testify about the attack from Libyan Coast Guard without prior warning. It highlights the lack of support from authorities who failed to act to protect the 34 crew and 87 survivors onboard.
youtu.be/8OMiem2kM-I
youtu.be/8OMiem2kM-I
Survivors and humanitarian crew under heavy fire from Libyan Coast Guard
YouTube video by SOS MEDITERRANEE
youtu.be
September 5, 2025 at 10:31 AM
Recordings on the bridge of the Ocean Viking during the shooting of 24/08 testify about the attack from Libyan Coast Guard without prior warning. It highlights the lack of support from authorities who failed to act to protect the 34 crew and 87 survivors onboard.
youtu.be/8OMiem2kM-I
youtu.be/8OMiem2kM-I
After being stuck on board for days, the crew on #OceanViking is finally disembarking, as the health authorities lift the isolation they had imposed.
Time for them to rest and recover from an horrific experience, allowed by European complicity.
Our hearts are with them.
Time for them to rest and recover from an horrific experience, allowed by European complicity.
Our hearts are with them.
August 29, 2025 at 3:09 PM
After being stuck on board for days, the crew on #OceanViking is finally disembarking, as the health authorities lift the isolation they had imposed.
Time for them to rest and recover from an horrific experience, allowed by European complicity.
Our hearts are with them.
Time for them to rest and recover from an horrific experience, allowed by European complicity.
Our hearts are with them.
4days after the Libyan CG attack, our crew is still stranded onboard due to lengthy and unorthodox health protocols.
Their #mentalhealth is impacted: they are in the same site of the traumatic event.
Immediate support and disembarkation are urgently needed.
www.sosmediterranee.org/four-days-af...
Their #mentalhealth is impacted: they are in the same site of the traumatic event.
Immediate support and disembarkation are urgently needed.
www.sosmediterranee.org/four-days-af...
Four Days After Armed Attack, Ocean Viking Staff Still Stranded Aboard Under Lengthy and Unsuitable Tuberculosis Protocols - SOS MEDITERRANEE
The Ocean Viking disembarked 87 survivors in Augusta, Sicily, on Monday, 25 August. Since then, the vessel has been instructed to remain at anchor outside the port.
34 individuals have been (...)
www.sosmediterranee.org
August 28, 2025 at 4:40 PM
4days after the Libyan CG attack, our crew is still stranded onboard due to lengthy and unorthodox health protocols.
Their #mentalhealth is impacted: they are in the same site of the traumatic event.
Immediate support and disembarkation are urgently needed.
www.sosmediterranee.org/four-days-af...
Their #mentalhealth is impacted: they are in the same site of the traumatic event.
Immediate support and disembarkation are urgently needed.
www.sosmediterranee.org/four-days-af...
“It is unacceptable that the EU funds and collaborates with extremely violent partners who attack humanitarian workers and survivors, directly threatening their lives.”
Ayla, Deputy SAR Coordinator from the bridge where dozens of bullets were found after the Libyan CG attack.
Ayla, Deputy SAR Coordinator from the bridge where dozens of bullets were found after the Libyan CG attack.
August 26, 2025 at 3:22 PM
“It is unacceptable that the EU funds and collaborates with extremely violent partners who attack humanitarian workers and survivors, directly threatening their lives.”
Ayla, Deputy SAR Coordinator from the bridge where dozens of bullets were found after the Libyan CG attack.
Ayla, Deputy SAR Coordinator from the bridge where dozens of bullets were found after the Libyan CG attack.
🚨Yesterday, 87 survivors disembarked safely in #Augusta, mostly people from #Sudan fleeing war and persecution.
After all they have been through they had to face the armed attacks of our rescue ship by Libyan Coast Guard.
Even our humanitarian ship is no longer a safe place.
After all they have been through they had to face the armed attacks of our rescue ship by Libyan Coast Guard.
Even our humanitarian ship is no longer a safe place.
August 26, 2025 at 9:35 AM
🔴 Update:
Following Italian authorities’ request, #OceanViking is heading to Augusta instead of Syracuse to disembark the 87 survivors.
Following Italian authorities’ request, #OceanViking is heading to Augusta instead of Syracuse to disembark the 87 survivors.
August 25, 2025 at 3:52 PM
🔴 Update:
Following Italian authorities’ request, #OceanViking is heading to Augusta instead of Syracuse to disembark the 87 survivors.
Following Italian authorities’ request, #OceanViking is heading to Augusta instead of Syracuse to disembark the 87 survivors.
Yesterday, our teams and survivors on the Ocean Viking were deliberately shot at by Libyan Coast Guard, on a vessel gifted by Italy.
We demand a full investigation into these horrifying events and an immediate end to all European collaboration with Libya.
www.sosmediterranee.org/sos-med-liby...
We demand a full investigation into these horrifying events and an immediate end to all European collaboration with Libya.
www.sosmediterranee.org/sos-med-liby...
Ocean Viking under heavy fire by Libyan Coast Guard in unprecedented attack against survivors and humanitarian workers - SOS MEDITERRANEE
The MV Ocean Viking, search and rescue vessel chartered by SOS MEDITERRANEE in partnership with the IFRC, was deliberately targeted in a shooting by the Libyan Coast Guard.
www.sosmediterranee.org
August 25, 2025 at 11:20 AM
Yesterday, our teams and survivors on the Ocean Viking were deliberately shot at by Libyan Coast Guard, on a vessel gifted by Italy.
We demand a full investigation into these horrifying events and an immediate end to all European collaboration with Libya.
www.sosmediterranee.org/sos-med-liby...
We demand a full investigation into these horrifying events and an immediate end to all European collaboration with Libya.
www.sosmediterranee.org/sos-med-liby...
Today at 3pm, the #OceanViking has been deliberately and violently attacked in intl. waters by the Libyan Coast Guard, who fired hundreds of shots at our ship. The 87 survivors and crew on board were not wounded. We are currently working on a detailed reconstruction of events.
August 24, 2025 at 6:08 PM
Today at 3pm, the #OceanViking has been deliberately and violently attacked in intl. waters by the Libyan Coast Guard, who fired hundreds of shots at our ship. The 87 survivors and crew on board were not wounded. We are currently working on a detailed reconstruction of events.
1/2 Last night,the #OceanViking rescued 47 people including 9 unaccompanied minors from a rubber boat in distress in intl. waters off Libya following an alert by @alarm_phone.
Most are fleeing the war-torn #Sudan, where over 12 million people are displaced by a brutal conflict.
Most are fleeing the war-torn #Sudan, where over 12 million people are displaced by a brutal conflict.
August 24, 2025 at 9:26 AM
1/2 Last night,the #OceanViking rescued 47 people including 9 unaccompanied minors from a rubber boat in distress in intl. waters off Libya following an alert by @alarm_phone.
Most are fleeing the war-torn #Sudan, where over 12 million people are displaced by a brutal conflict.
Most are fleeing the war-torn #Sudan, where over 12 million people are displaced by a brutal conflict.
The Central Mediterranean was the scene of concerning events in the past weeks.
The escalation of violence at sea targets both people on the move and humanitarians trying to render assistance among the erratic behaviour of actors who remain unidentified.
www.sosmediterranee.org/violence-and...
The escalation of violence at sea targets both people on the move and humanitarians trying to render assistance among the erratic behaviour of actors who remain unidentified.
www.sosmediterranee.org/violence-and...
The void left by EU states has turned into chaos - SOS MEDITERRANEE
The Central Mediterranean was the scene of concerning events during the past weeks. The escalation of violence at sea targets both people on the move and the humanitarian crew trying to render (...)
www.sosmediterranee.org
August 22, 2025 at 3:21 PM
The Central Mediterranean was the scene of concerning events in the past weeks.
The escalation of violence at sea targets both people on the move and humanitarians trying to render assistance among the erratic behaviour of actors who remain unidentified.
www.sosmediterranee.org/violence-and...
The escalation of violence at sea targets both people on the move and humanitarians trying to render assistance among the erratic behaviour of actors who remain unidentified.
www.sosmediterranee.org/violence-and...
A compelling piece by @reuters.com that highlights several realities: the dangers of the journey, the incoherence in rescue coordination, the life-saving collaboration among civil NGOs, and the impacts of delayed disembarkation in distant ports, to name a few:
www.reuters.com/graphics/MIG...
www.reuters.com/graphics/MIG...
A decade after EU’s migrant crisis, hundreds still dying in Mediterranean
Italy hailed a drop in irregular arrivals last year as proof its migration policies are working. One boat's journey shows the dangers of the crackdown.
www.reuters.com
August 21, 2025 at 2:45 PM
A compelling piece by @reuters.com that highlights several realities: the dangers of the journey, the incoherence in rescue coordination, the life-saving collaboration among civil NGOs, and the impacts of delayed disembarkation in distant ports, to name a few:
www.reuters.com/graphics/MIG...
www.reuters.com/graphics/MIG...
Yesterday, a little girl’s life has stopped.
She was just 6 years old.
She had spent 5 days at sea without food or water, trying to reach Lampedusa with her mother.
This is unacceptable.
How many more children have to die before the EU decides it’s enough?
She was just 6 years old.
She had spent 5 days at sea without food or water, trying to reach Lampedusa with her mother.
This is unacceptable.
How many more children have to die before the EU decides it’s enough?
August 20, 2025 at 1:37 PM
Yesterday, a little girl’s life has stopped.
She was just 6 years old.
She had spent 5 days at sea without food or water, trying to reach Lampedusa with her mother.
This is unacceptable.
How many more children have to die before the EU decides it’s enough?
She was just 6 years old.
She had spent 5 days at sea without food or water, trying to reach Lampedusa with her mother.
This is unacceptable.
How many more children have to die before the EU decides it’s enough?
📢Today is the #WorldHumanitarianDay.
Our @ifrc.org and @sosmediterranee.org crew onboard Ocean Viking, coming from all around the globe, stands together for the life-saving mission we pursue in the Central Mediterranean.
Listen to what drives their humanitarian commitment.
Our @ifrc.org and @sosmediterranee.org crew onboard Ocean Viking, coming from all around the globe, stands together for the life-saving mission we pursue in the Central Mediterranean.
Listen to what drives their humanitarian commitment.
August 19, 2025 at 11:10 AM
📢Today is the #WorldHumanitarianDay.
Our @ifrc.org and @sosmediterranee.org crew onboard Ocean Viking, coming from all around the globe, stands together for the life-saving mission we pursue in the Central Mediterranean.
Listen to what drives their humanitarian commitment.
Our @ifrc.org and @sosmediterranee.org crew onboard Ocean Viking, coming from all around the globe, stands together for the life-saving mission we pursue in the Central Mediterranean.
Listen to what drives their humanitarian commitment.
1/2
“It is deeply sad and frustrating to experience coordination that deliberately limits our capacity to save lives, while the past days have been filled with news of people shipwrecked at sea, abandoned, missing, or dead.”
“It is deeply sad and frustrating to experience coordination that deliberately limits our capacity to save lives, while the past days have been filled with news of people shipwrecked at sea, abandoned, missing, or dead.”
August 17, 2025 at 11:33 AM
1/2
“It is deeply sad and frustrating to experience coordination that deliberately limits our capacity to save lives, while the past days have been filled with news of people shipwrecked at sea, abandoned, missing, or dead.”
“It is deeply sad and frustrating to experience coordination that deliberately limits our capacity to save lives, while the past days have been filled with news of people shipwrecked at sea, abandoned, missing, or dead.”