Max Cavallari/SOS MEDITERRANEE
Marseille – 9/12/2025 – Due to funding constraints, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) is ending its partnership with SOS MEDITERRANEE. Despite this, the Ocean Viking will soon return to sea with a slightly smaller crew, while medical and protection activities will be fully internalised. Over the past four years, the two organisations carried out more than 150 rescue missions, saving thousands of women, men, and children in the central Mediterranean.
The conclusion of this collaboration is solely due to the IFRC’s financial constraints. The partnership between the organisations has been strong and positive, and its end represents a significant loss for SOS MEDITERRANEE. The IFRC contributed €2 million annually to our lifesaving search-and-rescue operations, which require €9 million per year in total, and deployed medical and protection staff on board the Ocean Viking to provide essential support during rescue missions.
“While the partnership with the IFRC has come to an end, our determination to return to sea is unwavering,” said Soazic Dupuy, Director of Operations. “After the violent attack by the Libyan Coast Guard on our rescue ship last summer and several months of operational pause, we are now preparing to resume our life-saving missions with the Ocean Viking.”
A new revised set-up
SOS MEDITERRANEE will temporarily adjust its operations by deploying a slightly smaller search-and-rescue and medical team. The medical and protection activities will now be fully internal, ensuring that every rescued person continues to receive the care and support they need.
This revised set-up allows the Ocean Viking to continue its vital missions in the central Mediterranean, but only viable for a limited time due to current financial limitations.
“We are deeply grateful for the IFRC’s contribution over the past four years. With the continued support of all those who stand with people in distress at sea, the Ocean Viking will keep saving lives,” concludes Soazic Dupuy.
