Around 700 migrants are believed to have drowned while crossing the Mediterranean on Saturday. But the Catrambone family (Regina and Chris, with daughter Maria Luisa) are hoping to stem the loss of life by launching a 40-meter rescue ship, called "Phoenix."
Around 700 migrants are believed to have drowned while crossing the Mediterranean on Saturday. But the Catrambone family (Regina and Chris, with daughter Maria Luisa) are hoping to stem the loss of life by launching a 40-meter rescue ship, called "Phoenix."
Courtesy MOAS
Inspired by a message from Pope Francis, the Malta-based couple invested in the converted fishing trawler (pictured.) Since launching last year, they have been spending an average $445,000 each month in operating costs. They now plan to resume operations in early May.
Inspired by a message from Pope Francis, the Malta-based couple invested in the converted fishing trawler (pictured.) Since launching last year, they have been spending an average $445,000 each month in operating costs. They now plan to resume operations in early May.
Courtesy MOAS
"The words of the Pope, appealing to people to help with their skills, their ability, their free time -- we had to do something," said Regina (pictured,) originally from Italy and now living in Malta with her American husband and daughter.
"The words of the Pope, appealing to people to help with their skills, their ability, their free time -- we had to do something," said Regina (pictured,) originally from Italy and now living in Malta with her American husband and daughter.
Courtesy MOAS
It follows the Pope's visit to the small island of Lampedusa -- <a href="index.php?page=&url=http%3A%2F%2Fedition.cnn.com%2F2013%2F07%2F08%2Fworld%2Feurope%2Fpope-lampedusa-refugees%2Findex.html%3Firef%3Dallsearch">where 366 migrants died in shipwreck in 2013 </a>-- in which he criticized the "global indifference" to the refugee crisis. As the closest Italian island to Africa, Lampedusa is a frequent destination for refugees seeking to enter European Union countries and shipwrecks off its shores are common. Many of the migrants are from African nations, while others have fled war-torn Syria, officials say. Others are economic refugees.
It follows the Pope's visit to the small island of Lampedusa -- where 366 migrants died in shipwreck in 2013 -- in which he criticized the "global indifference" to the refugee crisis. As the closest Italian island to Africa, Lampedusa is a frequent destination for refugees seeking to enter European Union countries and shipwrecks off its shores are common. Many of the migrants are from African nations, while others have fled war-torn Syria, officials say. Others are economic refugees.
Tullio M. Puglia/Getty Images/File
The Catrambone's project, called <a href="index.php?page=&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.moas.eu%2Findex.html" target="_blank" target="_blank">Migrant Offshore Aid Station (MOAS)</a>, includes two on board drones which search out migrant boats at sea. Since launching last year, it has rescued over 3,000 migrants.
The Catrambone's project, called Migrant Offshore Aid Station (MOAS), includes two on board drones which search out migrant boats at sea. Since launching last year, it has rescued over 3,000 migrants.
Courtesy MOAS
A lifeboat from rescue ship "Phoenix" approaches refugees, offering drinking water. "We never approach a boat with our boat because it's rather big, so we approach cautiously with a dingy. The first thing we do is start giving out life jackets," said MOAS director Martin Xuereb.
A lifeboat from rescue ship "Phoenix" approaches refugees, offering drinking water. "We never approach a boat with our boat because it's rather big, so we approach cautiously with a dingy. The first thing we do is start giving out life jackets," said MOAS director Martin Xuereb.
Courtesy MOAS
In Europe, the refugee issue has long been a political quagmire, as domestic and unemployment issues have taken center stage, as waves of refugees keep coming -- making the perilous voyage.
In Europe, the refugee issue has long been a political quagmire, as domestic and unemployment issues have taken center stage, as waves of refugees keep coming -- making the perilous voyage.
Courtesy MOAS
"When you look in their eyes, you see their desperation," said Regina, adding that MOAS operates around 40 miles from Libyan shores.
"When you look in their eyes, you see their desperation," said Regina, adding that MOAS operates around 40 miles from Libyan shores.
Courtesy MOAS / Darren Zammit Lupi
Along with a crew of 20, including doctors and paramedics, the boat is equipped with two high-tech drones, a medical clinic, 1,000 liters of water, hundreds of life jackets, and food.
Along with a crew of 20, including doctors and paramedics, the boat is equipped with two high-tech drones, a medical clinic, 1,000 liters of water, hundreds of life jackets, and food.
Courtesy MOAS / Darren Zammit Lupi
"We are just one boat. The EU must launch a credible search and rescue operation to avoid this situation," said Regina.
"We are just one boat. The EU must launch a credible search and rescue operation to avoid this situation," said Regina.
Courtesy MOAS / Darren Zammit Lupi