Since May 2015, we have provided search and rescue capacity, or provided medical care during search and rescue operations, in the central Mediterranean Sea. 

There is currently very little dedicated search and rescue in the Central Mediterranean. In 2023, 341,010 people attempted to cross the Mediterranean; just over a third (34 percent) of those were intercepted at sea and returned to Libya, despite that Libya was not a place of safety. People continue to drown or go missing during the attempted crossings. In 2023, 3,041 people died or went missing during their attempt to cross the Mediterranean Sea. 

Our medical teams on board treat violence-related injuries resulting from time in detention, torture and other ill-treatment, including sexual violence. Women, especially pregnant women, receive dedicated care thanks to the presence of a midwife. Our midwives have assisted the delivery of several babies onboard our boats.

We also provide care to people with skin diseases, dehydration, hypothermia, scabies and serious injuries such as chemical burns caused by fuel mixing with sea water during the crossing. Psychological first aid is provided by trained cultural mediators.

During these consultations our teams often hear horrific stories; many of the people we rescue are victims of torture and other forms of ill-treatment.

Once on land, people arriving in Europe discover the dangerous border crossings, are often beaten by authorities, and are forced to live in atrocious conditions, usually outdoors - including during winter. In Belgium, France, Greece, Italy, and Serbia our teams are providing a range of services to people recently arrived in Europe, including medical and psychological support.

We also provide shelter, water, sanitation and essential relief items at reception centres, informal settlements and transit camps.