In June, more than 500 people disappeared into the Mediterranean Sea in a single shipwreck off the coast of Greece. It was a tragic reminder that the global migration crisis is far from over. These snapshots of survival were collected aboard the Geo Barents from people Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières rescued between 2022 and 2023.
Mediterranean Sea 2023 © Nyancho NwaNri
“When I look at you, oh Sea
I feel like you are my twin
and partner in all the
struggles of my life.”
The sinking in June was not an isolated incident. Nearly 10,000 people have been rescued by MSF teams aboard our search and rescue ship Geo Barents, despite increasing difficulty reaching people in need due to European Union policies.
In February, MSF lodged an appeal against the illegitimate detention of our rescue ship by Italian authorities. In July, we filed a complaint with the European Commission against legislation inhibiting humanitarian rescue operations. And in August, we released a report documenting allegations of abuses by French authorities against migrants we assisted between February and June 2023.
Beyond legalities and numbers, these rescues are about people risking everything for a chance at safety and stability. Many have fled conflict or persecution in their home countries, and most have passed through Libya, experiencing detention, torture, kidnappings, and other dangers targeting migrants. Yet after a harrowing journey, hope survives.
“This family is always strong."
“I would like my children to grow up to be somebody. When I was a child, I experienced a lot of bad things. My mother was blind. She had 15 children but only three survived. I was the only girl. I was forced into marriage. I did not go to school. I want to send my children to school. I do not want my children to be forced into marriage like I was. I don’t want my girls to have a life like mine.”
“We have left Libya behind.”
"What have you achieved with your life, Haidar?"
“Women, do not accept violence anymore!”
"Long life to the Geo Barents newborn!"
“If you, life, have chosen to challenge me,
I am the warrior ready to fight
to achieve his goals.”
"Everything is going to be alright, inshallah! God is here."
"I miss my mother so much. But I will come and see you (her), soon. Now I have arrived in Italy safely."
“Thank you to the whole MSF team! New life, new hope.”
