A Group of Migrants Rescued After Spending Four Days on Mediterranean Gas Platform
A recent incident in the Mediterranean has once again highlighted the perilous journey that many migrants face when attempting to cross the sea in search of a better life. A group of migrants, believed to be from Ethiopia and Eritrea, was rescued after spending four days on the Miskar gas platform, located approximately 75 miles from the Tunisian coast.
The drama unfolded when the NGO Sea-Watch’s patrol aircraft, Seabird, spotted an empty launch near the platform on March 1. The migrants had managed to make it to the platform after their boat capsized in the Mediterranean. With no food, water, or shelter available on the platform, they were in dire need of assistance.
Migrants on the lower platform signaling to one of the aircraft that were dispatched to confirm the situation (Sea-Watch)
The operator of the Miskar platform reported the situation to the authorities, and the European Coast Guard Fonex confirmed the presence of the migrants. Despite alerts being issued to Malta, Italy, and Tunisia, no immediate help arrived.
Sea-Watch’s vessel, Aurora, was eventually dispatched to rescue the stranded migrants. After reaching the platform on March 4, the Aurora found the group cold and hungry, huddled on the walkways. They were taken aboard the vessel and provided with initial care.
Italy ordered the Aurora to dock at the port of Lampedusa, where the migrants were offloaded on March 5. The incident once again raised questions about the response of authorities in such situations, with Sea-Watch criticizing Italy and Malta for failing to act promptly.
This is not the first time the Miskar platform has been at the center of a migrant rescue operation. In 2022, several NGOs accused Shell and Malta of neglecting another group of migrants who sought shelter on the platform. Despite efforts by NGOs, the migrants were eventually removed by the Tunisian navy and returned to Africa.
These incidents serve as a stark reminder of the dangers faced by migrants attempting to cross the Mediterranean and the need for coordinated and timely rescue efforts to prevent further tragedies.