The International Federation of Red Cross (IFRC) and Red Crescent Societies announced that it will shut down its central-Mediterranean rescue operation and end its partnership with SOS Méditerranée aboard the rescue ship Ocean Viking, citing a lack of resources to continue beyond 2025.
In a news release, the IFRC said it will withdraw its personnel from the Ocean Viking, leaving SOS Méditerranée to bear all operational costs alone. Over the last four years, teams from the IFRC aboard the vessel have helped rescue more than 8,600 people — including 2,200 children.
“It brings us tremendous pain and sadness to have financial constraints directly impact such a vital and lifesaving operation,” said Maria Alcazar Castilla, IFRC Deputy Regional Director for Europe. She added the organization is grateful for the support of all partners “from funding to staff deployment to onboard advocacy for migrants.”
During its four-year mission, IFRC teams onboard provided medical care, first aid, psychosocial support, food and asylum-procedure information. According to the report, they took part in 156 rescue operations, distributed 96,000 meals, carried out 6,500 medical consultations, and helped send 3,200 “safe and well” messages to the families of survivors.
While sea operations have ended, the IFRC said its commitment to migrants and displaced persons remains firm. The organization will continue humanitarian support along migration routes throughout Europe and beyond.
