Spanish NGO suspends sea rescues

Spanish humanitarian charity SMH has postponed its next rescue mission in the central Mediterranean until 2027 because of soaring fuel costs, highlighting mounting financial pressures on efforts to save migrants at sea.

The group, which operates the Aita Mari, a former fishing vessel converted into a rescue ship in 2017, said fuel prices had doubled, forcing it to suspend operations in the region. SMH will instead focus on waters around Spain's Valencia coast and the islands of Mallorca and Menorca. It has also launched a crowdfunding campaign to cover the additional expenses.

Spanish charity Open Arms has also scaled back Mediterranean operations because of rising fuel costs.REUTERS