The Migrant Offshore Aid Station (MOAS) has saved more than 10,000 lives during its first year of operation.
MOAS – a privately funded search and rescue effort – has been on the frontline of the Mediterranean’s migrant crisis since 30 August 2014.
It has since collaborated with other vessels at sea and under the coordination of the relevant Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC). To date this has been the Rome MRCC operated by the Italian coastguard.
Over 2,500 died at sea this year, an all-time record. As many as 20,000 people may have lost their lives in the at sea trying to reach Europe’ shores on unsafe boats.
MOAS said is “proud to see that its efforts have inspired other non-governmental and civic organizations – like Medecins Sans Frontieres and Sea Watch – to offer their own vessels to the cause. This is a great example of civil society responding to a global problem.”
An international NGO with operational base in Malta, MOAS is equipped with the a 40-metre vessel – M.Y. Phoenix – two Schiebel camcopters, two rescue RHIBs, and a 20-strong professional crew of seafarers, rescuers, doctors and paramedics. MOAS set sail on May 2nd 2015, after saving some 3,000 lives in 60 days last year. This year MOAS has partnered with Medecins Sans Frontieres which is responsible for post-rescue care on board.
MOAS says the majority of the migrants it rescues they have no option but to seek protection from conflicts, extremist groups, repressive regimes in any way possible.
MOAS calls for continued collective action
MOAS has welcomed the decision by the EU to strengthen the search and rescue efforts by tripling the fund for Frontex and expanding its mandate.
MOAS is also pleased to have paved the way to an increase in the involvement of other independent entities as well as EU member states in mitigating further loss of life at sea. As a result of this collaboration between state-run and private search and rescue efforts, the number of people dying dropped significantly during the months of May and June.
Appeal for financial support
American philanthropists Christopher Catrambone and his wife Regina have invested more than €8 million in the project.
MOAS has received direct financial support from Doctors Without Borders (MSF). This partnership has not only enhanced the post rescue assistance given to those we save but has also contributed to ensure that the Phoenix is out at sea saving lives.
Public support for MOAS has also shot up in these past months, with almost €1.5 million raised within a few weeks. The biggest single donation to MOAS came from drone operator Schiebel that will be providing two drones and personnel for free for the months of September and October, worth €600,000.
Meanwhile, the Avaaz.org community has raised an additional €500,000 following an online appeal to its large member database. Thousands around the world have responded to their appeal demonstrating once more Avaaz’s resolve and ability to act in support of worthy causes.
A fundraising activity in Germany also helped raised an additional €250,000 thanks to the efforts of the Archdiocese of Cologne, Caritas and committed humanitarian Rupert Neudeck.
Support has also come from individual philanthropist who just like the Catrambones does not want to remain bystanders whilst this tragedy unfurls. Mr Jurgen Wagentrotz, a German national himself once a refugee will be donating €180,000 by the end of October. This figure will be matched by Oil and Gas Invest, the company he chairs.
MOAS calls for governments, civil society organizations and private citizens to work together to put an end to the humanitarian catastrophe at our doorsteps. Collective action can save lives.
MOAS will be operating in the Mediterranean till the end of October. Its plan to make the humanitarian operation sustainable year-long and to expand it on global scale depends exclusively on funding.