Rome - Between the evening of Saturday, August 24, and the morning of Sunday, August 25, the humanitarian ship Mare Jonio participated in a critical rescue operation, saving 182 migrants who were attempting the dangerous Mediterranean crossing. This mission marked the eighteenth operation by Mediterranean Saving Humans, an Italian civil society organization, but notably, it was the first carried out in collaboration with the Italian Bishops’ Migrantes Foundation.

The operation commenced at 6 p.m. on Saturday when the Mare Jonio detected a wooden vessel in international waters, approximately 35 miles from the Tunisian coast. The crew immediately reported the vessel's location to the Italian coastguard and distributed lifejackets to the 67 people on board, all of whom were of North African origin and in imminent danger due to the boat's instability. The Italian coastguard responded swiftly, arriving on the scene and transporting the migrants to safety in Lampedusa.

As the night progressed, the Mare Jonio received another distress call about a nearby boat. By 11:20 p.m., the ship located an overcrowded inflatable rubber boat. The Mare Jonio crew carried out the rescue of 50 individuals, primarily of Ethiopian origin, including 43 minors and two women. After bringing them on board, the Mare Jonio transferred them to the Italian coastguard for further assistance.

The final rescue of the operation occurred around 6:30 a.m. on Sunday morning when the Mare Jonio, still in search of more vessels, encountered a third boat. This vessel carried 26 Syrians, 30 Bangladeshis, and 6 Pakistanis. Following instructions from the Italian government, the Mare Jonio delivered these migrants to the port of Pozzallo in Sicily.

The scenes aboard the Mare Jonio were deeply emotional as the third group of migrants was brought on board. Many expressed heartfelt gratitude, with one man saying, “You are angels, sent by God to help us.” The migrants, visibly moved, embraced volunteers and offered their thanks.

The third boat had set off from Libya the previous evening, and many of those rescued had endured severe hardships, including imprisonment by Libyan militias. Signs of mistreatment and torture were evident on their bodies and in their eyes. Among the rescued was a former judge from his home country and an Arabic teacher from Damascus, who was eager to discuss Shakespeare despite the dire circumstances.

These interactions, while profoundly moving, also highlighted the stark reality the migrants face. The immediate relief of the rescue was tempered by the sobering challenge of starting new lives in an increasingly hostile Europe.

The Mare Jonio’s mission, while crucial, underscored a larger ongoing challenge. The search and rescue operation was a vital first step, but it was clear that the real work of building networks of solidarity and fostering a society of "fraternity and social friendship," as envisioned by Pope Francis, must continue on land.

The operation highlighted the urgent need for sustained support and integration efforts for migrants as they transition from immediate rescue to rebuilding their lives. The Mare Jonio’s mission was a testament to the importance of humanitarian efforts and the broader, ongoing commitment required to address the complex issues facing migrants today.

-VN