Ocean Viking rescues 14 migrants off Libya

The humanitarian organization SOS Méditerranée announced that its rescue vessel Ocean Viking rescued 14 migrants on Friday after their rubber boat broke down in the search-and-rescue zone off the Libyan coast.

The organization, which operates the vessel, said the survivors included three women and one girl, adding that Ocean Viking is expected to dock in the Italian city of Brindisi on Monday, according to InfoMigrants.

SOS Méditerranée said the crew launched the rescue operation after receiving an alert from Alarm Phone, the migrant distress hotline, and sailed overnight to the boat’s last known location.

According to the organization, the inflatable boat was unseaworthy and had been drifting after its engine failed. Rescue teams also confirmed that none of the people on board was wearing a life jacket.

SOS Méditerranée said most of the survivors came from Sudan, South Sudan, and countries in the Horn of Africa, regions affected by armed conflict, climate change, and large-scale displacement.

The organization added that the rescued migrants were in stable condition but suffered from exhaustion after spending a full day and night at sea, as well as prolonged exposure to fuel fumes. They are currently receiving medical care and humanitarian assistance aboard Ocean Viking until the vessel reaches the Italian port.