The Mediterranean remains one of the world's deadliest sea migration routes. During the first six months of 2026, at least 1,410 people died or went missing while attempting to reach Europe by sea, according to the International Organization for Migration (IOM). Since 2014, more than 35,000 people have lost their lives or gone missing while seeking safety, protection or a better life in Europe. To save migrants in distress at sea, non-governmental organisations (NGOs) deploy search and rescue (SAR) vessels in the Central Mediterranean but continue to face legal and administrative obstacles.

FRA’s latest update of search and rescue operations at sea provides an overview of the administrative and criminal proceedings affecting NGOs engaged in SAR activities: 

• At the end of June 2026, 26 NGO-operated rescue vessels and reconnaissance aircraft were deployed in the Central Mediterranean. 
• Since 2017, national authorities in EU Member States have initiated 105 administrative or criminal proceedings affecting NGO search and rescue operations. Since June 2025, 19 new cases have been opened, all in Italy.
• Many NGOs have faced fines and the temporary detention of their vessels in Italian ports. Port authorities have imposed administrative measures based on strict rules regulating NGO search and rescue activities. In one case, Italian authorities opened a criminal investigation into the captain of a deployed vessel for allegedly aiding and abetting unauthorised immigration.

The update emphasises two pressing fundamental rights issues requiring continued attention:

• Protecting humanitarian search and rescue activities: Member States should ensure that measures to combat migrant smuggling do not criminalise humanitarian assistance or undermine life-saving operations. A clear legal distinction must be maintained between humanitarian assistance and migrant smuggling.
• Strengthening search and rescue efforts and ensuring fundamental rights: Search and rescue capacity at sea needs to increase further to prevent deaths. Rescue operations should fully respect the principle of non-refoulement and ensure that rescued people are disembarked in places where their fundamental rights are protected.

This latest update provides an overview of developments up to 30 June 2026. It includes a map of NGO rescue vessels and reconnaissance aircraft, including those no longer in service. It also provides an overview of ongoing and concluded administrative and criminal proceedings affecting search and rescue organisations. 

As the world marks the 75th anniversary of the 1951 Refugee Convention, the continued loss of life in the Mediterranean highlights the need to ensure effective protection pathways and respect for the fundamental rights of people seeking safety.