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Jérémie Lusseau / SOS MEDITERRANEE

Stories of survivors

Dive into firsthand accounts from survivors aboard our ship, amplifying the voices of those who are often unheard.

Their stories shed a light on the urgent humanitarian crisis in the Mediterranean, as well as their remarkable journeys.

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Video
© SOS MEDITERRANEE / Johanna de Tessieres
SOS MEDITERRANEE / Johanna de Tessieres

Testimony

Juba and Hassama

Juba, 20, and Hassama, 13, are brothers who were rescued on April 7th, 2024, by the Ocean Viking teams on board a wooden boat in the Libyan search and rescue region. Originally from the Delta Valley in Egypt, they shared the difficult living conditions and lack of prospect for the future in Egypt that led them to leave for Libya, risking their lives in the attempt to cross the Mediterranean.

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Camille Martin / SOS MEDITERRANEE

Testimony

Alex

“What am I fighting for? For a future.”

At only 17 years old, Alex* fled the war-torn city of Bor in South Sudan alone. After a difficult journey across Sudan and Libya, he attempted to cross the central Mediterranean on an overcrowded wooden boat. Listen to his inspiring story, an incredible example of resilience.

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Johanna de Tessieres / SOS MEDITERRANEE

Testimony

Ali

Ali*, an 8-year-old unaccompanied minor, was rescued by the Ocean Viking teams from an overcrowded rubber boat in the Libyan Search and Rescue Region on March 14, 2024, along with 87 other people.

Illustration Image
Johanna de Tessières

Testimony

Ibrahima

Ibrahima was one of the 25 survivors rescued on the 13th of March after spending seven days at sea. Around 60 people on his boat perished during the journey.

Illustration by Marie-Morgane Adatte, editions Antipodes

Testimony

Ousman

Ousman* was arbitrarily detained 43 days in Libya after being intercepted at sea. At only 16 years old, he already faced extreme hardships. The young boy has been travelling alone since he is 14....