MSF first rescue operation in the Mediterranean Sea in 2016

MSF Search & Rescue boat, Dignity I, in the Mediterranean.

MSF166077

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MSF first rescue operation in the Mediterranean Sea in 2016

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Unique Identifier Code / URN MSF166077

Date taken / Date Recorded 23/04/2016 12:00 AM

Country Italy

Detailed location Mediterranean Sea

Commissioning section MSF-SPAIN

Photographer / videographer / producer Juan Matias Gil

Copyright Juan Matias Gil/MSF

Usage Rights (MSF) External Media, MSF Fundraising, MSF Publications, Social Media

Formal Consent Copy available no

Project section OCBa

Editor's rating ★★★★★ (C)

Maximum Size 1280px × 960px 140.50 KB

Additional Information / Shotlist "The international medical humanitarian organisation Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) has resumed search, rescue and medical aid operations in the central Mediterranean Sea, between Africa and Europe, and conducted its first operation on March 23. MSF's first operation for 2016 occurred yesterday, April 23, with the Dignity I accepting a transfer of 308 rescued people (205 men, 80 women, 23 children), mainly Eritrean, from an Italian boat. The ship, which has the capacity to take on board 400 rescued people and has a crew of 16, including experienced medical staff, will be proactively positioned in the waters north of Libya, and actively searching for boats in distress.
Due to the lack of safe and legal alternatives for people to flee and seek protection, the deadly stretch of water between Libya and Italy, which in 2015 claimed the lives of 2,892 men, women and children, is now almost the only way for thousands to reach European shores and it is already as busy as ever."

Special instructions LOW RESOLUTION PHOTOS AVAILABLE ONLY