Fresh hope for migrants

A couple inspired by Pope Francis are to launch their own search-and-rescue operation for migrants at risk of drowning in the Mediterranean.

Malta-based philanthropists Christopher and Regina Catrambone bought a 140-ft ship on which they plan to offer aid to refugees arriving in Europe by boat.

Tens of thousands make the journey from North Africa every year, often on overcrowded and unseaworthy vessels. Many die attempting the crossing. This year more than 90,000 have landed, eclipsing the record year of 2011 when large numbers fled the Arab Spring. The Italian navy is running its own migrant rescue operation but it has appealed for help from other EU countries, saying it is desperately overstretched.

Mrs Catrambone, who is originally from Italy, said she was first touched by the migrants’ plight when she spotted a winter jacket floating on the sea during a cruise. The captain told her it probably belonged to someone who had not survived the journey across the Mediterranean. She said she felt compelled to act when last year Francis visited the island of Lampedusa, where shortly afterwards 366 migrants died in a shipwreck. She told the Italian daily La Stampa: “I remember an appeal the Pope made after the umpteenth drowning incident off the coast of Lampedusa. He said we must all do our own bit to help others, with the means, resources and abilities we have in our possession.

“Looking right into the camera, he said that all those who had the possibility to help the migrants had the duty to do so.” His words “were at the heart of our initiative”, she said. “We could not stand by idly and watch this carnage take place.”

Following the tragedy last October, the couple, who own an insurance company, decided to act sooner rather than later to address the urgent situation. They invested what is estimated to be millions of euros of their own money in the ship, Phoenix 1, and hired doctors, nurses and sailors to work on board.

When it begins work later this month, the ship, known as the Migrant Offshore Aid Station, will use drones to locate the migrants’ boats, and deliver food, water and blankets.

She added: “We want to make sure above all that they do not die in their desperation.”