By Sophie Friedman | International Communications Manager
Since the beginning of the year, SOS MEDITERRANEE has run 16 rescue missions in the Central Mediterranean, saving the lives of 998 people. This includes 35 women, six of whom are pregnant, and 269 children. A staggering number of children make this dangerous crossing without an adult. This year alone, 230 unaccompanied children have been rescued by SOS MEDITERRANEE. This number will only increase in summer.
We're also seeing an increase in very young children. So far in 2025, SOS MEDITERRANEE has saved 24 children under age five, including several infants. There has also been tragic loss of life: a seven-year-old girl, crossing the Mediterranean with her parents and younger sister, died of cardiac arrest.
This was incredibly sad for all involved and only strengthened our resolve to continue. But there have been moments of hope, too, such as when several women who survived long, violent journeys through Libya danced on the deck of our ship singing about freedom.
Each day of operations costs $27,000. This covers everything from fuel ($37/km) to children's life jackets ($45). It's thanks almost entirely to individual donors that we can continue saving lives at sea.
According to reporting by International Organization for Migration (IOM). Actual number if deaths is believed to be significantly higher.
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