When rescue runs out of resources: The end of IFRC’s Ocean Viking mission

In this episode, we look at the humanitarian situation in the central Mediterranean following the IFRC’s decision to close its service point on board the Ocean Viking and end its partnership with SOS Méditerranée. After four years at sea, the mission has helped save more than 8,600 lives, providing critical medical care, first aid, and psychosocial support to people fleeing danger.We speak with Anna Bowen, IFRC’s Humanitarian Diplomacy Coordinator for Europe, who explains the funding and political challenges behind this difficult decision, and why civilian search and rescue remains a humanitarian necessity as thousands continue to risk their lives at sea.Anna also shares how the IFRC will continue to support migrants and refugees across Europe through its route-based approach, and why stronger protection and coordinated action are urgently needed to save lives.