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Regional secretary with the National Education Union
The truth about refugees in the central Mediterranean
BEN COWLES tells how civilian refugee rescue organisations saved the lives of 149 people in Malta’s search-and-rescue zone last weekend while the authorities and passing ships refused assistance
nside the Moonbird with the Alpine Aqualina out the window [David Lohmueller / Sea Watch]

LAST Saturday morning, a rubber boat sailing away from war-torn Libya carrying 109 people contacted the distress hotline operated by the activist network Alarm Phone.

“The weather is rapidly deteriorating,” Alarm Phone tweeted soon after the call.

“The people report high waves and an ongoing storm. They need immediate rescue. [The] authorities are informed. Don’t let them drown!”

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