Maritime search and rescue nations should help beyond own shores
Maritime search and rescue services should be less localised in their approach to saving lives at sea and look beyond their own shores in an effort to prevent drowning, according to search and rescue charity MOAS, the Migrant Offshore Aid Station.
Speaking at the International Maritime Rescue Federation’s (IMRF) World Maritime Rescue Congress (WMRC), MOAS director Brig. Ret’d. Martin Xuereb, said the organisation extended its operational period from two months last year to six months in 2015, in an effort to save lives.
MOAS, which depends on donations from the public (www.moas.eu/donate), operates on the premise that nobody deserves to die at sea, he said.MOAS, which has just been approved as a full member of the IMRF by its Trustees, has already rescued 1441 migrants in the Mediterranean this year, in addition to the 3,000 people saved in 2014.
Martin spoke about the importance of drones to MOAS, explaining that they can range up to 80 nautical miles across a possible 900 square nautical miles of sea, flying at a height of 600 feet and send vital images back to rescue co-ordination centres.
“These are top of the range drones, also used by the military,” he said. “Of the 500,000 euros spent on the operation each month they take up to 50 per cent of the cost but they are the future of search and rescue and have already played a large part in five of the rescues we have undertaken this year.“
He said MOAS had established a partnership with Doctors without Borders – Medecins Sans Frontieres – to deal with the post rescue issues. The Phoenix now has two doctors, a paramedic and an expert on water sanitation on board, all from Medecins Sans Frontieres.
“We wanted to do something beyond search and rescue and focus on the post rescue assistance. Sometimes we have people on board for up to 48 hours and we need to clothe, feed and, in some instances, provide medical assistance,” he explained, adding that the boat had a fully equipped clinic.
Last year MOAS was fully funded by its founders Chris and Regina Catrambone but since then, as Martin explained, the charity had been out telling its story which had led to fruitful partnerships and voluntary contributions.
The 250 delegates from 38 countries at the WMRC also heard that MOAS will operate from May to October this year.
Source and Image Credit: IMRF
