Save The Children [to 14 February 2015]
http://www.savethechildren.org/site/c.8rKLIXMGIpI4E/b.6150563/k.D0E9/Newsroom.htm

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Save the Children Calls on EU leaders to Urgently Strengthen the Search and Rescue Capacity in the Mediterranean
FAIRFIELD, Conn. (Feb. 11, 2015) — More than 300 migrants are presumed dead, according to UN’s refugee agency, after the boats carrying them sank trying to reach Italy having departed the Libyan coast on Saturday. Latest reports indicate that just 9 people survived.

“Save the Children has repeatedly raised concerns that the Italian navy’s comprehensive search-and-rescue operation, Mare Nostrum, was stopped last October, citing fears about accentuating the already extreme risks faced by migrants, especially those most vulnerable, such as women and children, in migrant sea crossings,” said Carolyn Miles, president and CEO of Save the Children.

“Sadly, despite this latest tragedy, the number of migrants continuing to attempt treacherous sea crossings is increasing. In January 2015, despite the bad weather conditions, 3,528 migrants reached Italy, including 195 women and 374 children — a staggering rise of 60 percent compared to the number of migrants arriving in 2013.

“Save the Children calls on EU leaders to urgently strengthen the search and rescue capacity in the Mediterranean to help mitigate the high number of migrant and refugee deaths at sea.”…
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Search and Rescue Must be Strengthened After Migrant Deaths
Lampedusa, Italy (Feb. 10, 2015) – Save the Children is calling upon on Italy and Europe to strengthen its search and rescue capabilities in the Mediterranean Sea to prevent further tragedies following the deaths of 29 migrants owing to hypothermia.

The migrants attempting this treacherous sea crossing were picked up by the Italian coastguard after fleeing from violence in their home countries, including Libya.

“Appalling sea conditions encountered in the winter haven’t disrupted the flow of arrivals by sea. There is firm evidence of no alternatives for those who are forced, in spite of everything, to attempt this desperate crossing,” said Rafaella Milano of Save the Children Italy…