MOAS Conduct Rescue Operations Off The Libyan Coast

VIBO VALENTIA, ITALY - NOVEMBER 24: Refugees wait to disembark the MOAS vessel "Topaz Responder" on November 24, 2016 in Vibo Valentia, Italy. The MOAS team worked through the night of the 21st and into the next morning rescuing 'approximately' 600 people from several vessels though that figure could change. It is believed that several people had died after one rubber dinghy capsized. 117 people were saved from that incident, but many were left suffering from hypothermia and various other minor injuries. MOAS were patrolling in the 'SAR Search and Rescue Zone, approximate 20KM off the coastline of Libya, and running rescue missions for the many migrants and refugees who continue to attempt to make the dangerous crossing across the Mediterranean Sea to Italy. MOAS are a Malta based registered foundation dedicated to providing professional search-and-rescue assistance to refugees and migrants in distress at sea and work alongside with the Red Cross on board the Topaz Responder. The number of deaths this year of people crossing the Mediterranean has risen to almost 4,300. MOAS alone have rescued around 19,000. (Photo by Dan Kitwood/Getty Images)