137,000 refugees/migrants have crossed the Med so far
The Standard P&I Club has issued bulletin regarding refugees/ migrants at sea to advice on the practical steps that should be taken in a Search and Rescue (SAR) operation.
The current unrest in large areas of Africa, Asia and the Middle East has led to a recent and marked increase in the number of people attempting to cross the Mediterranean Sea in search of better opportunities. According to the UN High Commission for Refugees, it is estimated that 90,000 refugees/migrants have crossed the Mediterranean so far in 2015 and up to 1,850 are feared to have died trying to do so this year alone.
The following steps are a guide only and the master should always respond in a safe and sensible manner, considering the specific circumstances:
- Urgently contact the nearest or responsible maritime authority/coast guard and, if needed, nearby ships that may also be able to assist.
- Establish a clear plan for the safe rescue of the distressed persons prior to its commencement.
- Provide assistance and rescue the distressed persons.
- Note the number of distressed persons rescued. Specify name, gender, age and nationality.
- Identify whether any of the rescued persons have any special medical needs.
- Maintain open dialogue with the responsible maritime authority/coast guard at all times. Maintain good internal communication among the crew.
- Inform all the interested parties, including managers, charterers, as well as the club, of the situation as soon as possible. In particular, appointment of the club’s local correspondent at the designated port of disembarkation can assist in minimising disruption and delay to the ship.
- Keep a very careful and detailed record of the entire event (the use of photographs, videos and written reports can assist)
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Further details may be found by reading Standard’s P&I Club bulletin People Claims- Refugees/ migrants at sea (please click on image below)
Source: The Standard P&I Club