Bangladeshi Migrants Rescued in Mediterranean After Fleeing Libya

ORtona, Italy - A group of 35 Bangladeshi migrants were rescued in the Mediterranean Sea this week by the charity ship Ocean Viking, operated by SOS Mediterranee.

The men, discovered in a small fiberglass boat, reported being at sea for three days after departing Libya. They aimed to reach the Italian island of Sicily but were left vulnerable and exhausted.

Dramatic Rescue at Sea

Alerted by a distress call, the Ocean Viking crew launched a rescue operation in the pre-dawn hours. The Bangladeshi migrants, weak and showing signs of distress, were pulled aboard the Ocean Viking. Medical personnel found three men in need of immediate attention, with one being unconscious.

Relief and Uncertainty

Once onboard, the survivors received essential supplies, including water, food, blankets, and showers. The International Red Cross and Red Crescent teams provided medical care and explained the upcoming process. However, a sense of fear lingered among the men, worried about potential repatriation to Libya.

Long Journey to Uncertain Future

The Ocean Viking, following Italy's new policy, will take the rescued migrants to the Adriatic port of Ortona. This two-day journey precedes further processing and potential asylum claims.

Challenges Remain

Italy's recent designation of Bangladesh as a "safe country" complicates the migrants' asylum prospects. This decision may make it harder for them to be granted asylum in Italy.

The rescue mission underscores the ongoing dangers faced by migrants attempting to cross the Mediterranean. According to the International Organisation of Migration, hundreds of migrants have perished on this route in 2024 alone, solidifying its status as the deadliest migration route globally.

While these Bangladeshi migrants managed to survive the perilous journey, their future in Italy remains uncertain.