The Spanish humanitarian rescue charity SMH has announced the postponement of its upcoming mission in the central Mediterranean until 2027, attributing the decision to escalating fuel costs. This move underscores the significant financial challenges that humanitarian organizations face along one of the globe’s most perilous migration routes. SMH, which operates the Aita Mari—a former fishing vessel repurposed for rescue operations in 2017—revealed on X that the doubling of fuel prices has compelled them to halt their central Mediterranean activities and redirect their efforts to the waters near Valencia and the Balearic Islands.
In response to the increased expenses, SMH has initiated a crowdfunding campaign to help cover additional costs. The central Mediterranean crossing, which connects North Africa to Italy and southern France, remains one of the most dangerous routes for migrants from Africa and the Middle East seeking entry into Europe, often using overcrowded and unseaworthy vessels.
Similarly, the Spanish NGO Open Arms has also reduced its central Mediterranean missions in recent years due to rising fuel prices and Italy’s policy of designating rescue vessels to ports in northern Italy. This practice can lead to ships having to travel for two to three days from their operational areas, which raises costs and limits the time available for search-and-rescue operations.
The Italian government, led by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, has consistently argued that humanitarian rescue vessels inadvertently encourage migrants to undertake these dangerous crossings.
