In an effort to provide full transparency on its search and rescue (SAR) activities in the central Mediterranean Sea, MSF has created a dedicated website.

This comes at a time when the public debate in Europe on the work of non-governmental organisations at sea is characterised by a climate of suspicion, the dissemination of incorrect information, and numerous allegations.

The website contains interactive infographics, in-depth, up-to-date operational and medical information, and answers all frequently asked and important questions related to SAR.

One of the central elements of the website is an interactive map providing detailed information, positions, routes and disembarkation ports for every rescue operation ever conducted by MSF since it began its activities in the central Mediterranean Sea in 2015. Activities can be filtered by vessel, date, and type of operation (rescue or transfer). 

The website is currently available in English, Italian, French, and Spanish.

Throughout its SAR activities, MSF has strictly adhered to all international, national, and maritime laws applicable in the Mediterranean Sea, and has worked under the coordination of the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) in Rome.

Since the beginning of its SAR activities in May 2015, MSF has rescued more than 69,000 men, women and children.