More than 1,600 boat people rescued by MOAS since late Dec
Migrant Offshore Aid Station (MOAS) has rescued and assisted 1,633 people since launching operations in the eastern Aegean in late December, the Malta-based non-government organization has said.
Among them were 352 women and 508 children, the rescue mission said.
“MOAS witnesses the everyday realities and horrors at sea. The flow has not let up but become more desperate,” MOAS founder Christopher Catrambone said.
“Thanks to the support from concerned citizens around the world we continue to prevent loss of life in hostile seas,” he said.
Aboard the 50-meter rescue vessel Responder, MOAS patrols various routes between Greek and Turkish waters. Areas of operation are coordinated with the Greek authorities.
More than 350 people have died trying to reach Greece via Turkey so far in 2016.
“We are witnessing entire families desperately fleeing to reach some form of safety and stability, regardless of their age or state of mobility," said MOAS director Martin Xuereb.
"They risk everything and put their lives in the hands of smugglers in the hope of starting a new life and giving a future to their children. The world owes these people compassion."
