Dear friends of Sea-Eye,
on the afternoon of Boxing Day, the crew of the SEA-EYE 4 rescued a total of 106 people. Our fifth mission in 2023 thus concluded a year in which we were able to save 504 people from drowning. But we still lack funding for next year's rescue missions.
While we were celebrating Christmas at home, our crew spotted two boats in distress south of Lampedusa on the afternoon of Boxing Day. All 106 occupants were rescued and taken to the SEA-EYE 4. Among the rescued people were 45 minors, the youngest of whom were five and six years old and were accompanied by their parents. A 13-year-old boy from Guinea and a 14-year-old boy from Mali were fleeing alone.
The fact that families with young children choose this dangerous route shows how important it is that we are and stay present there!
As there are no major shipyard stays planned for the upcoming year, we would like to carry out a total of nine missions. However, so far only the funding for the first two has been secured - we need further support for the rest. We have a ready-to-go ship and a strong team on land and at sea. Now it's just a matter of being able to fund the missions in the upcoming year.
We are aware of the increasing political headwinds. But we will not give up and will continue to build upon your help and solidarity. Together, we will continue to fight for every single human life in 2024! Donate now!
Yours
Anna Paulitsch
- Head of Fundraising at Sea-Eye e. V.