The aim of ResQ Onlus is to save the lives of castaways in the Mediterranean - often men, women and children attempting to escape conflict or serious humanitarian crises – using a rescue ship that lends its support to the operational civilian fleet. The association was set up at the end of 2019 by a group of friends and today has almost 600 members and thousands of donors who have joined forces to offer a concrete response to the humanitarian emergency that has been unfolding in our waters for many years. Following the Lampedusa shipwreck in October 2013, there have been at least 20 thousand deaths in the Mediterranean (and the numbers are certainly higher because many victims are never found). Since the beginning of this year, at least 500 people have already lost their lives attempting to cross this stretch of water.

We are working towards going to sea to carry out our first rescue mission in the summer of 2021. ResQ’s ship will be about 40 meters long, weighing between 450 and 500 tons, and will be fully equipped for rescue missions. On board the ship twill be a crew comprising professionals and specialized volunteers: seafarers, rescuers, doctors and nurses, cultural mediators, as well as the chance to host journalists and photojournalists who can document events.

We are very nearly ready but we need everyone’s help for the final push. We are looking a contribution that will help us to push the ship towards its launch, to fill the hold and the galley, to set sail and navigate the sea. The “C’è una nave” campaign will give everyone the chance to “board” ResQ by taking part in the CharityStars auctions and the crowdfunding initiative on the association’s website.