June 10, 2019

The number of deaths on the Mediterranean Sea will increase dramatically if rescue boats aren't deployed as more people attempt to cross from North Africa, the U.N. warned Sunday.

“If we do not intervene soon, there will be a sea of blood,” said U.N. Refugee Agency spokeswoman Carlotta Sami, according to the Guardian.

Thousands are reportedly preparing to leave Libya on ships as the country suffers from war and floods. But a lack of rescue boats will put their lives at risk, Sami said. Around 350 people have died on the journey to the EU so far this year, or 20 percent of those who attempted the crossing, according to U.N. data.

Read more:

https://www.politico.eu/article/sea-blood-united-nations-warns-mediterranean-rescue-ships/