The NADIR ends its third mission in 2025

Newsletter from May 29, 2025: We remember those who died in the Mediterranean for whom our help came too late.

The NADIR left the operational area a few days ago for a crew change. This year’s third search and rescue mission remains overshadowed by the maritime emergency on Saturday, May 10. Our crew was able to evacuate 62 people from a dinghy in distress onto the NADIR and provide first aid to many people, some of whom were seriously injured – but all help came too late for two small children and two other people.

Three days earlier, 66 people had presumably set off from Al-Zawiyah (Libya) in a rubber dinghy. After just one day, the engine failed, making it impossible to maneuver the boat and leaving the people – including 17 women, 43 men and six babies and small children – defenceless against the wind and weather.

The crew responded to an emergency call and reached the boat just a few hours later. “When we started the rescue, two lifeless children between the ages of 3 and 4 were handed over to us,” reports Rania, a paramedic on board the NADIR. “They had already died on the run the day before, probably of thirst.” After another man suffered circulatory arrest, the doctors on board tried in vain to resuscitate him for 30 minutes. The survivors also told the crew about another person who had gone overboard and drowned the day before.

We mourn together with the relatives, families and friends of the deceased. This tragedy could have been avoided. It is an example of the failure of European migration and asylum policy. Instead of setting up protective infrastructures – for example in the form of coordinated aid or safe escape routes – people seeking protection are exposed to violence at the EU’s external border and left to fend for themselves – with deadly consequences. The fact that children die of thirst while fleeing is an inexcusable political failure.

 

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Review of the RESQSHIP event in Berlin

There’s great news from the local level! The local group in Berlin got together “anew” in November – olé! – including a stable number of long-standing members as well as a good number of fresh activists. On Wednesday, 21 May, a first information and film event was organized in the Südblock, where Leon’s documentary was shown and discussed afterwards. The initiative raised around €450 in donations.

Save the Date July 04-06, 2025 Lohmühlenstraße 17, 12435 Berlin(Wagenburg Lohmühle) Scirocco. The Festival without Borders An Anti-Racist Festival with an Uncompromising Stance in Favor of Freedom of Movement More information about the festival will follow in June. The festival is organized by OPEN DREAMS and RESQSHIP activists.