Global search and rescue charity MOAS (Migrant Offshore Aid Station) will begin a new drive involving search and rescue of migrants in the Andaman Sea and adjacent waters on March 3.
Ship MY Phoenix and its crew will coordinate with members of the local coast guards, navies, NGOs, experts and the media to track, monitor and, if needed, provide search and rescue services in coordination with the authorities concerned.
For the mission, MOAS will use long-distance drones to measure movement of ships that may be transporting refugees and migrants. During meetings between MOAS officials and various local and national governments, it was agreed that preventing the loss of lives at sea was a high-priority issue.
“The task of MY Phoenix will be to observe and analyse irregular movement of vessels at sea with the goal of supporting local stakeholders in providing an enhanced life-saving response. Our aim is to generate a better understanding of the movement of refugees and migrants, and be ready to assist in cases where there is an imminent risk of loss of life,” said MOAS founder Christopher Catrambone.
MOAS will be the first NGO to provide a comprehensive first-hand regional assessment of irregular migration and trafficking using a vessel with an unprecedented technological capability. Data gathered will be analysed and the results will be shared. The goal is to bring a better understanding and awareness of the problem and encourage everyone to work for sustainable solutions.
MY Phoenix will be supported by two other organisations. Malta-based MigrantReport.org, a news organisation that focuses on migration issues, will be providing information via its ground networks. Also, Fortify Rights, a human rights organisation based in Southeast Asia with experience in working closely with refugee communities in the region, will manage data collection and documentation as well as provide contextual guidance. The innovative Aerovel FlexRotor drones will be operated by American company Precision Integrated Programmes.
MY Phoenix will sail out in early March and remain at sea for a minimum of four weeks. At the end of the period, MOAS will review the findings and funding provisions with stakeholders.
MOAS will be operating within the existing legal framework of the laws of the sea and has engaged in open dialogue with all regional stakeholders, including Malaysia and Thailand.
The crew of MY Phoenix include maritime, security, medical, linguistics, migration, mapping and aviation experts. They will be supported by MOAS staff in Malta and a variety of international experts and professionals to assist in the core objectives.
“As we have already successfully done in the Mediterranean and the Aegean seas, we are cooperating and participating in an ongoing dialogue with regional stakeholders to see how our mission can be best performed. We are leaving no stone unturned in our mission to mitigate loss of life at sea,” said MOAS Director Martin Xuereb.
“The Rohingyas have faced abuses for decades and untold numbers have died at sea,” said Matthew Smith, co-executive director of Fortify Rights. “Until the root causes are addressed in Myanmar, we’re going to see more people risking their lives in perilous journeys at sea.”