Update on Mediterranean migrant search and rescue

Published By Europa [English], Fri, Dec 18, 2020 9:21 AM


On average three people a day died crossing the Mediterranean Sea to reach Europe in 2020, estimates the International Organization for Migration. On International Migrants Day on 18 December, the EU Agency for Fundamental Rights outlines the difficulties that civil society rescue efforts in the Mediterranean continue to face.

Civil society tries to save migrants and asylum seekers in distress at sea, floundering in overcrowded or unseaworthy boats, often provided by smugglers and traffickers.

According to the latest FRA update on NGO search and rescue in the Mediterranean, there are 15 NGO ships and planes involved. But of these, only two are carrying out rescue operations. Three are involved in reconnaissance.

The remainder are in port, pending legal hearings or under mandatory maintenance.

The update also provides an overview of legal developments, including open and closed proceedings, since 2017 until 15 December 2020.

It notes that EU countries increasingly use administrative rather than criminal measures to prevent rescues. It also shows that there are fewer cases against crew or NGO staff.

Since the June 2020 update, EU countries have started nine new administrative proceedings.

This brings the total number of legal proceedings since 2018 to around 50.

Press release distributed by Media Pigeon on behalf of Europa, on Dec 18, 2020. For more information subscribe and follow


Eric Mamer

Chief Spokesperson
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+32 2 299 40 73

Dana Spinant

Deputy Chief Spokesperson
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Elisaveta Dimitrova

Head of Unit
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Johannes Bahrke

Coordinating Spokesperson
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Vivian Loonela

Coordinating Spokesperson
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+32 2 296 67 12