SOS from a boat with 47 migrants adrift from Libya, Alarm Phone’s desperate appeal: “Time is running out and the coast guard will not arrive”
«Time is running out to save about 50 people aboard this boat that is adrift in the high waves. A nearby merchant vessel is not equipped for rescue and has been ordered by the Italian authorities to wait for the Libyan coastguard, but they are not coming”. Sea Watch International writes about the drifting boat with 47 migrants on board in the central Mediterranean coming from Libya. In a subsequent post Sea Watch writes: «After calling the Libyan rescue center, they confirmed that they would not send a ship. When we reach the Italian National Rescue Coordination Center (MRCC) again with the question of who will take over the coordination and responsibility of the people, the officer in charge hangs up. People need to be saved now before more people die trying to get to safety. Italy and EU countries must assume responsibility for sea rescue and protect the lives of people on the move. Now, immediately, in this case. In general, in any case.”
This morning 47 had asked for help from the boat.
«#Seabird spotted the vessel in contact with @alarm_phone. She is dangerously overcrowded and among scary waves. Near it a merchant ship that has received an order from the Rome Rescue Coordination Center to coordinate with the so-called Libyan coast guard”. She writes it on twitter Sea Watch.
“People on board are panicking. They shout on the phone and we have a hard time communicating with them. They must be rescued without further delay!!!’ Always via Twitter Alarm Phone.
