SOS MEDITERRANEE is a non-governmental European organization conducting maritime search and rescue operations in the Central Mediterranean, one of the world’s most dangerous migration routes for people attempting to find safety.
Founded in 2015 by civil society actors in response to the escalating humanitarian crisis at sea, its work is structured around three pillars: save lives at sea, protect the people rescued, and bear witness to survivors’ experiences. The organization’s vision is a maritime environment in which the duty to assist people in distress at sea is upheld consistently and the dignity and rights of every person rescued are respected, regardless of nationality or legal status.
SOS MEDITERRANEE operates as a network of four European entities (France, Germany, Italy, Switzerland) with shared governance and accountability frameworks. More than 90% of operations are funded by private donors.
Maritime search and rescue (Ocean Viking)
SOS MEDITERRANEE conducts civilian maritime search and rescue operations in the Central Mediterranean, saving people in distress at sea who are fleeing conflict, persecution, and extreme hardship. Once safe onboard the Ocean Viking, survivors receive immediate medical attention, psychological support, food, water, and clothing, and are disembarked in a recognized place of safety where their rights are respected.
Since 2016, SOS MEDITERRANEE teams have assisted more than 43,000 people from more than 50 countries. More than 10,000 children have been rescued, around 80% of whom were traveling alone.
Albatross aerial monitoring
SOS MEDITERRANEE operates the Albatross mission in partnership with the Humanitarian Pilots Initiative (HPI), combining SOS’s operational coordination with HPI’s aviation expertise. The aircraft monitors boats in distress, strengthens understanding of what is happening in rescue areas, facilitates timely alerts to rescue authorities, and documents humanitarian and legal conditions at sea — including patterns of delayed or denied assistance that would otherwise remain unseen.
Awareness-raising
Drawing on operational data and independent observation, SOS MEDITERRANEE advocates for the duty to assist anyone in distress at sea, as mandated by international maritime law. This educational work raises awareness for gaps in rescue coordination and shares evidence of how humanitarian access is affected in practice.
Citizen mobilization
SOS MEDITERRANEE’s volunteers organize public events, cultural and educational activities, and awareness campaigns to inform the public about the humanitarian situation in the Central Mediterranean and the moral obligation to assist people in distress at sea.
With Friends of Fondation de France, U.S. donors can help fund:
Rescue operations are time-critical and unpredictable. Distress calls can come at any moment, weather conditions change quickly, and rescue areas shift. Donations are therefore allocated where needs are most urgent across the above areas of work.
Operating a rescue ship involves vessel charter, professional crews, fuel, insurance, maintenance, medical equipment, and safety compliance. Average daily operating costs are approximately $26,000, depending on mission profile and fuel prices).
What could your donation support ?
Amounts shown are meant to serve only as examples and vary by season and operational context. Contributions are used where operational needs are most urgent.
SOS MEDITERRANEE publishes annual activity and financial reports, and its financial statements are subject to independent audits. Mission reports and financial information are made public so donors and partners can see how funds are used and how operations are carried out.
Photo: © Anthony Jean/ SOS MEDITERRANEE
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