# Mediterranean migrant rescue operations

> Developing situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/20261028-mediterranean-migrant-rescue-operations
> Updated: 2026-10-28T11:43:31.000Z. Sources: 5. Developments: 2.

Humanitarian organizations operating in the Mediterranean face significant operational challenges. The Spanish NGO Salvamento Maritimo Humanitario (SMH) announced it would postpone its Central Mediterranean rescue missions until next year, citing a doubling of fuel prices that forced the group to relocate operations to Spanish waters. This follows reports from other organizations, such as Open Arms, regarding rising energy costs and Italian maritime policies.

Despite these logistical and financial constraints, rescue efforts continue. The NGO Emergency, utilizing its vessel ‘Life Support’, successfully conducted two separate operations, rescuing a total of 113 people. These rescues occurred in the Maltese and Libyan Search and Rescue zones, involving individuals from overcrowded wooden and inflatable boats.

## Timeline

### 2026-10-28: Emergency Life Support vessel rescues 113 people in Mediterranean

The Emergency NGO vessel Life Support rescued 113 people, including many minors and two pregnant women, during two separate operations in the Maltese and Libyan Search and Rescue zones.

5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/emergency-life-support-vessel-rescues-113-people-in-mediterranean

### 2026-10-14: Spanish NGO halts Mediterranean migrant rescue missions due to fuel costs

Spanish NGO Salvamento Maritimo Humanitario is postponing Central Mediterranean migrant rescue missions until next year due to doubled fuel costs, shifting operations to Valencia.

6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/spanish-ngo-halts-mediterranean-migrant-rescue-missions-due-to-fuel-costs

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Cite as: Mediterranean migrant rescue operations. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/20261028-mediterranean-migrant-rescue-operations