There are very few safe channels that people can take to reach protection, safety and a better life. With Europe’s land borders sealed, people are forced into the hands of smugglers and into leaky, overcrowded boats. In 2015, more than 788,000 CROSSED THE SEA to reach Europe. Most of them crossed the Aegean Sea, with more than 610,000 people arriving in the Greek islands and 300 deaths in the months of September and October alone. 

At the same time, THE CENTRAL MEDITERRANEAN crossing between Libya and Italy is remains the DEADLIEST BORDER crossing in the world. In 2015 more than 2860 PEOPLE HAVE DIED in the waters between Libya and Italy whilst over 140,000 have arrived on Italian. That means that 1 in every 50 people who cross from Libya to Italy died trying. Even before this point, many have contended with long, risky journeys over land and life threatening conditions in countries such as Libya. 

People will continue to risk their lives in the hands of smugglers as long as there are no safe alternatives. To date, the THREE boats have RESCUED 18,447 PEOPLE. They have also assisted a further 1,196 others with safe passage to Italy (after they were rescued by other boats) making it a total of 19,643 people assisted by MSF’s teams on the Mediterranean.