Rescue on the high seas: the silent fight against oblivion in the Mediterranean
Sea rescue is more than just saving lives from the water, explains the managing director of SOS Méditerranée. But in a world full of trouble spots, who still thinks about the refugees crossing the Mediterranean?
Saving lives in the rough waters of the Mediterranean, a sea that is a hope for many and a deadly trap for others. That is the mission of SOS Méditerranée. Carl Drexler, the German Managing Director of SOS Méditerranée came to talk to the Club of International Politics, moderated by Joshua Schneider.
According to Drexler, SOS Méditerranée has rescued around 40,000 people from dangerous situations since it was founded in 2016, a figure that he does not simply dismiss as a statistic. "Behind every number is a human fate," he emphasizes. You can hear the connection he has to his mission in his calm voice.
The audience listens spellbound as Drexler describes the various challenges his organization faces, which go beyond simply rescuing people: from political debates to coordination with other NGOs and logistical hurdles. The managing director explains how SOS Méditerranée operates with the "Ocean Viking", a specially chartered ship, and how every rescued person receives comprehensive care and information about their rights and the upcoming asylum procedure.
SOS Méditerranée wants to tell the stories of those rescued
Giving migration a face and telling a vivid story is a central concern of the organization. A short film then provides more detailed insights into the work of SOS Méditerranée and highlights how the organization's work is deeply rooted in moral and legal principles.
Drexler also discusses the financial side of the organization, which is largely supported by private donations and funding from foundations, with an annual budget of around 12 million euros. He emphasizes the importance of public support and the transparent use of funds in order to maintain the trust of donors and partners. Thanks to Joshua Schneider's moderation, a dialog unfolds that is more like a conversation between friends than a formal presentation.
Towards the end of the evening, Drexler reflects on future missions and challenges, including considerations to send aid transfers to Gaza. The work of SOS Méditerranée is a shining example of how commitment, humanity and cooperation can make a difference in today's world.
Drexler's message resonates in the room. Many listeners gather in groups after the talk and continue to talk about what they have just heard: "Every life saved counts", every action has meaning. At the center of this evening is a quiet man whose vocation not only saves lives, but also gives hope in a world that often seems hopeless.
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