Migrants rescued after several days stranded on oil platform
Thirty-two migrants attempting to cross the Mediterranean have been rescued by an NGO ship after spending several days stranded on an oil platform off the coast of Tunisia.
"Women, men and children" were shipwrecked with no food or water, according to Mediterranea, a migrant rescue charity. One person on the platform had died, the charity said.
NGO Sea Watch said it had managed to rescue all 32 people from the gas platform on Tuesday afternoon, and that they were being looked after aboard the Aurora ship.
However, the Aurora's final destination was unclear as no country nearby had yet assigned the ship a port of safety, Sea Watch said.
It added that no European country had intervened "despite the imminent emergency" and the fact that the people were stranded in international waters on the border of the Tunisian and Maltese search and rescue (SAR) zones.
NGO monitoring aircraft Seabird reportedly spotted an empty rubber dinghy near the platform on 1 March.
The shipwrecked people then managed to contact Alarm Phone - an emergency hotline for migrants in trouble at sea. In the call, they said they had been without food for days and that their condition was critical. They also reported the death of one person, Sea Watch said.
In a video apparently filmed by one of the people on the platform and shared by NGOs on social media, a young man in a white t-shirt could be heard saying that he and the others were "suffering from hunger and dying of cold".
Speaking in Tigrinya - a language spoken in Ethiopia and Eritrea - the man said they left Libya five days ago and that the dinghy they were travelling on capsized.
"Those who made it here and didn't die at sea are dying of hunger and exhaustion, if in the few hours nobody does anything we will obviously die... We have only little chance [to survive]," he said.
Behind him were several people apparently shivering from the cold as the waves crashed against the oil platform's pillars.
Over 210,000 people tried to cross the Central Mediterranean in 2023, according to data shared by the UN. More than 60,000 were intercepted and sent back to African shores, and nearly 2000 lost their lives at sea.
On a boat picking up migrants in the middle of the Med
Italian state of emergency to tackle migrant boats
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"If ready to meet someone new, download an app, mingle amongst friends, or ask someone out near this time. It could be a fantastic match! If committed, use this energy to reignite your spark. Fertility, pregnancy and children could also be themes that pop up near this time." Virgo (Aug. 23 - Sept. 22) Reflect and grow, Virgo! According to Thomas, "Emotional stability and security are important themes near this time. In fact, you may be quite reflective on your past, your heritage and your traditions now too. An important shift around your domestic life, home, or family may also pop up, such as a desire to move, renovate, or redecorate." Libra (Sept. 23 - Oct. 22) Get out and mingle, Libra! "You will likely feel especially curious, social and eager to step out of your comfort zone," Thomas added. "On one hand, this could be in regards to intellectual pursuits, such as getting involved with or debuting a writing, speaking or advertising endeavor. A significant contract could also manifest as if out of thin air!" Scorpio (Oct. 23 - Nov. 21) There might be some changes in your finances, Scorpio. "Money will be a major factor on your mind as you plan out things now and in the months ahead. A raise, new job offer, or side hustle could also present itself," Thomas explained. "Some of you may also leave one job or income stream to pursue a new one. If spending cash on important possessions, watch your bank accounts." Sagittarius (Nov. 22 - Dec. 21) Claim your spotlight, Sagittarius! "You will feel like all eyes are on you!" Thomas added. "An important personal or professional goal that you've been building toward for six months or longer could now be at your fingertips. You will be especially fired up, so make sure that you assert yourself and your dominance so everyone knows what you desire and how you'd like to proceed." Capricorn (Dec. 22 - Jan. 19) Sit back and reflect, Capricorn. According to Thomas, "You may feel a desire to rest, recharge, and recuperate. Pushing too hard against the grain now would only burn you out more, so finding time to meditate, nap, and heal are paramount. However, you may instead be feeling a bit haunted by baggage, dreams, trauma, or the past, so working with a therapist or engaging with spirituality could help you ultimately find closure and peace." Aquarius (Jan. 20 - Feb. 18) Flow with your chosen family, Aquarius! "This is an excellent period to join groups and communities, volunteer, or become actively engaged with a cause that you believe in," Thomas said. "However, there's plenty of fun likely on the menu, too! You may attend events, expand your network, or even find success in online dating if you are single and looking." Pisces (Feb. 19 - March 20) Big career moves are on the table, Pisces! "You may receive praise, success, or recognition for work that you've been building toward for six months or longer," Thomas explained. 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