Dear friends of Sea-Eye,

Joy and sorrow - closer than ever: Early yesterday morning, our crew rescued 26 people from two boats. We are relieved: they are safe. But this rescue took place at a time of mourning: 61 people lost their lives in the waves a few days ago due to the failure of authorities and the lack of civilian rescue vessels. We need your help to prevent this from happening again!

With waves over 3 metres high and strong winds, the last few days in the Mediterranean have been rough and dangerous. But the biggest worry was: how long can unseaworthy boats last without capsizing? Because we know: We are in a sea area where people set out every day in the hope that by 2024 they will finally be able to live in safety, freedom and under the rule of law.

On Monday morning, an official distress call was made: the organisation Alarmphone reported two plastic boats in distress to the authorities in charge. It was still pitch dark when we sent our rescue boats MARIA and MO CHARA out to sea. Among the 26 people the crew rescued were four unaccompanied minors - three of them from Syria. They are now safe. Thankfully! We are the only rescue ship in a huge sea area these days.

Now we are also forced to leave this dangerous sea area: Italy has assigned us the port of Civitavecchia. We fear the worst for our absence: Just last weekend, 61 people lost their lives in the high waves. Even though the authorities knew about the distress call in time. We are shocked and heartbroken by the deaths of each and every one of them: Women, children, adults... By the fact that they probably could have been saved - if more rescue ships had been on the scene.

As the EU most likely will not be conducting a rescue mission in the Mediterranean in 2024, the presence of every single civilian rescue ship counts. It is still unclear how many rescue operations we will be able to carry out next year. That is why I am asking you today to donate so that we can be there as often as possible. Because people can be saved - if we are there!

Every euro donated now will help save lives in the future!

Yours

Gorden Isler
- Chairman of Sea-Eye e. V.