Spanish NGO halts Mediterranean rescue operations, citing fuel prices
Summary
A Spanish charity group called Salvamento Maritimo Humanitario (SMH) has paused its migrant rescue missions in the Central Mediterranean because fuel prices have doubled. The group now focuses on rescuing people near Valencia, Spain, and has started raising money to cover higher fuel costs.Key Facts
- SMH is a Spanish charity that rescues migrants crossing the Central Mediterranean by boat.
- The charity stopped missions in the Central Mediterranean due to sharply higher fuel prices.
- SMH shifted its rescue work closer to the Spanish coast, around Valencia.
- The Central Mediterranean route, from Libya to Italy, is very dangerous for migrants.
- About 60,000 migrants reached Europe by boat in early 2026, a 39% drop from last year.
- At least 2,292 migrants died or went missing attempting this crossing in 2026.
- Other Spanish groups like Open Arms have also reduced Central Mediterranean missions because of fuel costs and quicker port assignments in Italy.
- Italy’s government says rescue missions encourage more migrants to try the dangerous crossing.
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