In the central Mediterranean, a devastating shipwreck claimed the lives of at least 60 people, including women and a child, according to survivors rescued in the past hours by the Ocean Viking, the humanitarian vessel operated by SOS Mediterranée, as reported by the nonprofit on Thursday. The incident underscores the perilous journeys endured by those attempting to reach Europe by sea and the ongoing risks faced by rescue teams working to save lives in one of the world’s busiest migratory corridors.
On Wednesday, the Ocean Viking brought 25 survivors to safety, two of whom were evacuated urgently to Sicily due to their critical condition. The organization described the group as being in a state of extreme physical and mental vulnerability. The vessel carrying the survivors had departed from the Libyan town of Zauiya and drifted at sea for nearly a week before being assisted by rescuers. The passengers, deemed to be in dire need of medical attention, faced prolonged exposure to harsh maritime conditions and a shortage of essential supplies during their voyage.
Survivors told rescuers that at least 60 people died along the way, including women and at least one child. The breakdown of the boat’s engine three days after departure left the craft adrift without water or food for several days, contributing to a humanitarian catastrophe at sea. The grim report from SOS Mediterranée highlights the precarious conditions faced by migrants attempting the crossing and the fragile state of rescue operations in the central Mediterranean route.
Following yesterday’s rescue of 25 people in very delicate health, a medical evacuation was conducted in coordination with the Italian Coast Guard. Two individuals were unconscious and could not be revived by the rescuers on board; they were transported by helicopter to Sicily. All survivors are receiving medical care, and an urgent medical evacuation was requested for two more individuals found unconscious and in critical condition. The ongoing effort reflects the close cooperation between humanitarian teams and authorities to stabilize those rescued and to identify urgent care needs in real time.
These events occur against a broader backdrop of ongoing sea crossings and humanitarian responses in the region. Rescue teams continue to monitor the waves, locate boats in distress, and coordinate with coastal authorities to ensure that people in danger receive immediate aid. The Ocean Viking and organizations like SOS Mediterranée emphasize the humanity at stake and the shared responsibility to prevent further loss of life at sea, while also calling attention to the perilous conditions and the root causes driving people to undertake such dangerous journeys. The testimonies gathered from survivors serve as a stark reminder of the vulnerability faced by those who embark on these routes, and they illustrate why ongoing international cooperation remains essential for lifesaving interventions and post-rescue medical support.