Search And Rescue Enters Peak Season For MOAS Operations

CROTONE, ITALY - MAY 26: Refugees and migrants are seen on board the Migrant Offshore Aid Station (MOAS) 'Phoenix' vessel as they approach Italy on May 26, 2017 off Crotone, Italy. The refugees and migrants are being transfered to a port in Italy after being rescued at sea on May 26th, by crewmembers of the 'Phoenix' after one of three wooden boats partially capsized leaving more than 30 people dead. Numbers of refugees and migrants attempting the dangerous central Mediterranean crossing from Libya to Italy has risen since the same time last year with more than 43,000 people recorded so far in 2017. In an attempt to slow the flow of migrants Italy recently signed a deal with Libya, Chad and Niger outlining a plan to increase border controls and add new reception centers in the African nations, which are key transit points for migrants heading to Italy. MOAS is a Malta based NGO dedicated to providing professional search-and-rescue assistance to refugees and migrants in distress at sea. Since the start of the year MOAS have rescued and assisted 3572 people and are currently patrolling and running rescue operations in international waters off the coast of Libya. (Photo by Chris McGrath/Getty Images)