Support Jack's Mission with Refugee Rescue

WHO AM I

Hi, my name is Jack Magnus, and I have over four years of experience volunteering for Royal Canadian Marine Search & Rescue (SAR) on BC's Salish Sea and Fraser River. From October-November, I will be taking unpaid leave to volunteer my time and skills to help rescue migrants attempting the perilous crossing of the Central Mediterranean.

WHAT'S HAPPENING

In an effort to flee war, violence, poverty, and famine, these people are leaving what's left of their homes and everything they know behind. They risk their lives in un-seaworthy vessels and precarious conditions in hopes of a safer life. NGOs like Refugee Rescue (who I will be volunteering with), and Sea-Eye are patrolling the Central Mediterranean to assist people and vessels in distress as they attempt this dangerous crossing. Many boats are found overloaded, taking on water, with pregnant women and children on board, and people suffering from dehydration and significant injuries. Once safely in port in a European country, migrants can claim asylum and start the process of seeking refugee status and assistance. Unfortunately, those that are rescued on the Libyan side are sent back to their country and often face further violence, persecution, or worse.

The Central Mediterranean is the deadliest known migration route in the world, with more than 17,000 deaths and disappearances recorded since 2014. According to the International Organization for Migration, over 1,150 migrants are missing or have died in the Central Mediterranean less than halfway through 2023. That's a 1/3 increase from the same period last year.

WHERE AND WHY ME

Refugee Rescue has partnered with Sea-Eye to help rescue refugees adrift at sea in acute danger. It takes a team of highly skilled personnel in various roles to make these missions possible. It is difficult to find volunteers who are not only available (a 6-8 week commitment) and willing to help, but also experienced and able to safely operate in high-pressure SAR missions. This is where I can help.

I will be taking an unpaid leave of absence from work to volunteer as a RHIB (Rigid Hull Inflatable Boat) driver. Starting in early October 2023, Sea-Eye 4 (the main ship) will depart from South Spain for the Central Mediterranean and I will spend 6-8 weeks training and responding to save lives at sea. The funds raised here will go towards travel, accommodation, and insurance costs to help me meet up with the team of volunteers from Refugee Rescue and Sea-Eye.

HOW TO HELP

People in these dangerous situations have no choice in how they get to safety, and should not be left to drown. Qualified and available volunteers are hard to come by. Please consider donating to help me reach the SAR zone in the Central Mediterranean, rescue those in distress, and save lives. Any extra funds raised will be donated to Refugee Rescue to support future missions.