Saving lives in the Mediterranean Sea

Based in France, Germany, Italy and Switzerland, its actions respond to a moral imperative and fall within a clear legal framework: the obligation to assist any person in distress at sea.

The association pursues three missions:

- SAVE lives at sea through search and rescue operations for boats in distress, in compliance with maritime and international law;

- PROTECT and CARE for those rescued through emergency care delivered on board, medical-psychological listening and support, as well as accompaniment to a safe place where their lives are no longer threatened and their basic needs can be met ;

- WITNESS the situation in the Mediterranean and raise awareness among the general public, institutions and governments of this humanitarian drama unfolding on Europe's doorstep.

Thanks to citizen mobilization, the first boat was chartered in 2016 to respond to the humanitarian emergency. The Aquarius until 2018, then the Ocean Viking, are citizen boats financed 91% by private funds. On board, professional rescue sailors scan the sea and come to the rescue of the boats, often in difficult conditions. The refugees, 11% of whom are women and 30% minors, receive medical and psychological care until disembarkation in a safe port. SOS Méditerranée's action is always carried out in coordination with maritime authorities and in strict compliance with international maritime rescue laws.