Ocean Viking Rescues 34 Migrants Off the Coast of Libya Amid Increasing Tragedies
The Ocean Viking, operated by SOS Méditerranée, rescued 34 migrants in distress off the Libyan coast today, primarily from Syria and Gambia. Despite the relief of their rescue, the organization expressed deep sorrow and anger over a recent tragedy where 44 migrants drowned near Sfax, Tunisia. SOS Méditerranée condemned European policies that hinder rescue missions and criticized the dangerous actions of the Libyan coast guard. Since the beginning of the year, over 2,410 people have died or gone missing attempting to cross the Mediterranean to Europe.