Rescue effort continues in the Aegean

In its first operation near Lesbos, the German Maritime SAR service (DGzRS) rescued 57 people including 20 children using the lifeboat Minden. In a week it is rescued over 600 people.

Those recued were mainly Syrian refugees who were in two rubber dinghies unfit for the open sea.

“We committed to help until the maritime rescue services can cope with the demand for rescue on their waters,” said Bruce Reid, CEO of IMRF.

He continued: “We are not sure what impact the announce about the [EU Turkey] agreement will be on the numbers of people finding themselves in distress, making the crossing between Turkey and Greece.”

Captain Udo Helge Fox, chairman of the IMRF and managing director of DGzRS, was in charge of the rescue operation. He confirmed that the majority of those in distress were women, small children and infants.

Since being under the command of the Greek Coast Guard, on one single mission the Minden crew has rescued 165 people, including six babies less than three months old.

Ulrich Fader, captain of Minden, explained: “Many of them are completely soaked. Again and again we have to provide medical assistance for the refugees, some of whom suffer from circulatory collapse, hypocalcaemia or seasickness.”

The Dutch maritime rescue service (KNRM) has provided equipment and two Atlantic class lifeboats, started a training programme and set up a lifeboat station.

KNRM have also launched a fundraising initiative to support their efforts in the Aegean and have raised €100,000 along with €259,000 through sponsorship.

Mr Reid concluded: “The work of the IMRF members is making a real difference in the Aegean. We are training up volunteers on basic seamanship and using our Rescue Boat Guidelines as the template for practical action.”

By Alice Mason