On May 24, 2025, two small boats in the Central Mediterranean were carrying more than 100 people in urgent distress, among them women and children. While one group was rescued, the other was left to fend for themselves, facing chaos, drownings, and forced return to Libya. This case exposes the deadly consequences of fragmented rescue coordination and EU policies that prioritize deterrence over human life.
Read our report for the full story of what happened, including a deadly lack of response from relevant authorities and attempts by SOS MEDITERRANEE and other rescuers to save those in distress.