Ocean Viking saves more than 120 migrants in the Mediterranean Sea

Time and time again people die on a dangerous flight across the Mediterranean Sea. (Image Archive) Image: dpa

According to the International Organization for Migration, the Mediterranean Sea is the most dangerous route for refugees in the world. The UN organization estimates that an average of 3,000 people die during the crossing each year.

The rescue ship Ocean Viking rescued more than 120 migrants on Friday from an overcrowded pontoon in the Mediterranean Sea. “In a five-hour mission in increasingly dangerous weather conditions, Ocean Viking has saved 128 men, women and children today,” said aid organization SOS Méditerranée on Twitter. Two people were found dead. Only one of the bodies was recovered due to weather conditions.

Since its inception in 2015, the organization SOS Méditerranée has saved more than 34,800 people in danger at sea. According to the International Organization for Migration (IOM), the Mediterranean Sea is the most dangerous route for refugees in the world.

The United Nations organization estimates that over 23,500 people have died or been missing since 2014. About 2,000 migrants disappeared on the Mediterranean route last year alone.