Update from an eventful week in the Mediterranean

The past week has been one of the most eventful on the Central Mediterranean of 2019. Up to 150 people drowned off the Libyan coast and 62 bodies have been recovered so far in the most devastating shipwreck of this year to date.

Whilst due to the European blockade no civilian rescue ships were active in the search and rescue zone, at least 14 boats dared the life-threatening crossing.

143 people were rescued and reached Malta, and Interior Minister Salvini continued to refuse to land a ship which has 135 people on board and is off the Italian coast.

With the financial support of the EU at least 429 people were pulled back to detention camps in the midst of the Libyan civil war. People even now remain prisoned in Tajoura camp where, on 2 July, 60 refugees were killed in an air raid and 70 others wounded.

Thanks to Sea-Watch for this update.