New hope for 816 people rescued by EUNAVFOR MED operation Sophia’s assets
A tough day in the Central Mediterranean Sea where, once again, the different actors at sea and over the air, no matter the uniforms, aims and capabilities, have demonstrated their commitment in safeguarding human life at sea making the “mare nostrum” a safer place in times of tragedies.
The Luxemburgish aircraft SW3 Merlin III 
was flying westward out of the Libyan Territorial Waters border, as part of EUNAVFOR MED efforts to collect information about the human smugglers and traffickers business model, when he spotted two overcrowded rubber boats 20 Nautical Miles off Garabuli’s harbour. Suddenly informed by Operation Sophia’s Force Headquarters staff embarked on the Italian light aircraft carrier Garibaldi , the Italian Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (I.M.R.C.C.) in Rome required the effort of all the assets in the area. 523 migrants were then rescued by the British survey vessel HMS Enterprise from 4 rubber boats while the German auxiliary ship FGS Frankfurt took care of 3 additional rubber boats embarking 293 people.
In the meanwhile the AB 212 helicopter embarked on the Spanish frigate Reina Sofia continued to patrol the area from the air, spotting additional boats of migrants who, in line with the smooth level of cooperation reached by all different actors in the area, were rescued by other assets.
MS Enterprise then transferred all migrants to the Triton operation’s vessel Siem Pilot while FGS Frankfurt embarked additional 243 people from an NGO vessel and is now heading towards Messina (Italy) harbour.
Thus far, following EUNAVFOR MED operation Sophia ’s activities, 71 suspected smugglers and traffickers have been prosecuted by the Italian authorities and 139 boats (109 Rubber boats, 27 Wooden boats, 3 Fishing vessels) have been prevented from being re-used by smugglers. Nonetheless, more than 15.600 lives were saved at sea during 95 rescue events coordinated by the competent Italian Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre while additional 32.334 migrants have been rescued by other actors in the area with the contribution of EUNAVFOR MED assets.