On board the mission to rescue 600 people from overcrowded fishing boat abandoned by its captain

On board the mission to rescue 600 people from overcrowded fishing boat abandoned by its captain

The sun beats down on us. I’m sweating, and there is noise from every angle. Two marine engines thrum behind me, churning the water of the Mediterranean.

You can smell the salt, but also the plastic of our boat, warmed by the early afternoon. Cloudless skies. I can hear shouts, cries, and also words of thanks.

Ahead of us - painted in a rich blue - is a hopelessly dilapidated fishing boat that teems with people. Crowded on to the deck, peering out of every gap, perching from every vantage point.