By Redaction ARPS with Agencies
A pregnant woman in labor was airlifted to Italy on August 11 after being rescued from a distressed migrant vessel by the German charity Sea-Watch in the Central Mediterranean.
The rescue operation involved 67 individuals, and the woman’s medical condition was critical; however, assistance from Italy and Malta was delayed. Sea-Watch spokesperson Giulia Messmer criticized the response due to the risks to the mother and baby.
The Sea-Watch 5 ship, en route to Salerno, rescued 72 individuals, including six who had fallen overboard. Despite a decrease in EU crossings, irregular crossings in the Central Mediterranean increased by 9% in early 2025, with Libya serving as the primary departure point.
