15 dead at sea off Libya. And no one moves? IOM launches the alert
(B2) Fifteen migrants died in a boat off the Libyan coast, reports the IOM. The ten survivors were collected, severely dehydrated, after spending approximately 12 days at sea without food or water. The international organization denounces the lack of resources at sea for rescue
A capsize off Misrata
At least a dozen people died after a rubber boat that spent more than 10 days at sea capsized Monday off the coast of Misrata, Libya, the International Organization for Migration reports. Three other passengers are missing (and presumed dead). Ten survivors were rescued and returned to Libya where they were treated by IOM medical staff.
Survivors in a state of complete dehydration and exhaustion
« The survivors all suffered from complete dehydration and exhaustion after being stranded at sea for days said IOM medical officer Dr. Mohamed Abugalia. They " suffered from trauma, severe malnutrition and burns from the boat's fuel. » Four cases requiring emergency medical care were transferred to a private hospital in Tripoli. Six others were transferred to detention centers by Libyan authorities.
A boat that has strayed from its course
Media accounts of the ordeals suffered by the migrants differ, but it appears that the boat, which was trying to travel to Italy, was veered several hundred kilometers off course. Red Crescent spokesman Baha al-Kawash told AFP that the migrants had left the town of Sabratha, west of Tripoli, for Italy, but their ship capsized at 270 km to the East then overturned.
An unacceptable situation
IOM spokesperson for the Mediterranean Flavio Di Giacomo appealed for help. « It is necessary to reinforce the presence of rescue boats in the Mediterranean. Saving lives at sea is a priority. He thus relays the concerns of the officials on the spot. " What is alarming is that we still do not see concrete measures to deal with the movements […] across the Mediterranean Sea » indicates the head of IOM in Libya, Othman Belbeisi. With winter, the weather gets worse, crossing conditions will be harsher, and shipwrecks will increase.
Saving lives should be the number 1 priority
« The lack of mechanisms to better manage returns and reduced search and rescue capacity at sea make crossing the border increasingly dangerous for migrants. There are more chances of dying at sea now than a year ago. It's not acceptable. Saving lives at sea should be the number one priority, and search and rescue operations clearly need to be strengthened added Othman Belbeisi. " We continue to advocate for alternatives to detention for migrants returned to Libyan shores, especially for the most vulnerable ».
(Nicolas Gros-Verheyde)
Referral to the International Criminal Court?
This is the desire announced by the German NGO Lifeline : " 12 days and no one noticed anything? In an area covered by Frontex and EUNAVFOR MED. We must assume that these people were not consciously and deliberately saved. » denounces his captain Claus-Peter Reisch who wonders: “ Should we go to the international criminal court? ? "
+++ BREAKING +++@SEENOTRETTUNG throws @Frontex and @EUNAVFORMED_OHQ Verbrechen gegen die Menschlichkeit vor und fordert Ermittlungen vom @IntlCrimCourt! https://t.co/f5OWxg0zdb
— Claus-Peter Reisch (@ClausReisch) December 5, 2018,