Mediterranean, NGOs report several groups of migrants in distress

LA VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – The German NGO Sea-Watch said that its aircrew encountered two dramatic distress cases, 120 migrants at sea, both adrift, one without an engine. The NGO added that the engine was stolen, a situation that made it very dangerous for the migrants, 50 nautical miles off Lampedusa. The NGO said that the migrants need to be rescued, while the authorities are entirely neglecting their plight.
Furthermore, Sea-Watch confirmed that a boat sank on the Mediterranean. While the authorities were informed, the German NGO Resqship conducted a search and rescue operation, and saved 12 migrants who have been in the sea for over two hours, likely to reduce weight and protect the four children on board. Sea-Watch confirmed that there was no rescue effort by the authorities, despite its calls for assistance.
Meanwhile, another NGO – AlarmPhone confirmed that a boat with 53 people are in distress in the central Mediterranean. The boat is in Maltàs Search and Rescue zone. The NGO said that it has alerted the relevant authorities and a rescue operation is needed before it is too late. Through another distress call, a group of 20 migrants confirmed that they are in serious difficulties in the central Mediterranean.
AlarmPhone confirmed that its crew was alerted by the migrants who are adrift out at sea. “They are totally exhausted and need immediate rescue and care. We alerted relevant authorities and urged them to intervene.”

– Foto: Agenzia Fotogramma –

(ITALPRESS).


Source: medNews