Mission & Organization

Our vision is of a world where every person in distress at sea is rescued and treated with dignity.

SOS MEDITERRANEE is an international maritime and humanitarian organization dedicated to saving lives at sea.

It was founded by citizens in May 2015 in response to the escalating humanitarian crisis in the Central Mediterranean and authorities’ failure to to take action
to prevent more deaths.

SOS MEDITERRANEE operates as a European network with teams in Germany, France, Italy, and Switzerland. From February 2016 until October 2018, they jointly financed and operated the rescue ship Aquarius, and are now financing and operating the mission with the Ocean Viking, our current rescue ship.  

SAVE – Rescuing people in distress through search and rescue activities at sea. 

PROTECT – Protecting those rescued and providing care and support on board until they have disembarked in a safe place.

BEAR WITNESS – Bearing witness to the humanitarian crisis in the Mediterranean; alerting the public and giving a voice to those who have survived; and respecting the diversity of their journeys. 

SOS MEDITERRANEE is a humanitarian organization built upon the respect for all individuals and their inherent dignity, irrespective of nationality or origin, social status, religious beliefs, political affiliations, or ethnic identities. 

SOS MEDITERRANEE advocates on behalf of all people in distress at sea, without bias or discrimination based on nationality, country of origin, social belonging, religious belief, political stance, or ethnic affiliation.