MOAS Humanitarian Missions: From Mediterranean Sea Rescues to Global Crisis Relief
The Migrant Offshore Aid Station (MOAS) is a humanitarian organization dedicated to providing life-saving assistance in some of the world's most volatile regions. From its inception, MOAS has evolved from a specialized search and rescue operation in the Mediterranean to a global relief entity providing medical care, famine relief, and disaster risk reduction in areas of extreme crisis.
Key Facts
- Mediterranean Impact: Rescued over 41,000 people between 2014 and 2017.
- Global Reach: Active in the Mediterranean, Aegean Sea, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Yemen, Somalia, Sudan, and Ukraine.
- Ukraine Response: Deployed 50 ambulances and 150 professionals, saving over 68,000 lives.
- Specialized Assets: Utilized the MY Phoenix and the 51-meter Topaz Responder for maritime operations.
- Medical Infrastructure: Established field clinics in Bangladesh providing primary and secondary care to Rohingya refugees.
The Mediterranean and Aegean Sea Operations (2014–2017)
MOAS began its operations on August 25, 2014, with a 21-day mission using the vessel Phoenix. Its first rescue was a Maltese fisherman near Delimara, followed shortly by its first migrant rescue on August 30, assisting 250 Syrians and Palestinians, including 40 children. By the end of October 2014, the organization had saved 3,000 migrants.
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In 2015, MOAS expanded its capacity, partnering with Doctors Without Borders (MSF) from May to September. A six-person MSF team provided critical care to 6,985 rescued individuals suffering from dehydration and gunshot wounds. By the end of 2015, the total number of rescues reached 12,000.
Expansion to the Aegean Sea
Following increased public awareness after the death of Alan Kurdi, MOAS expanded to the Aegean Sea from December 2015 to April 2016. For this mission, they deployed the Topaz Responder, a 51-meter emergency response vessel equipped with two high-speed rescue launches named Alan and Galip in honor of the Kurdi brothers.
Final Mediterranean Missions
In 2016, MOAS partnered with Red Cross Italy to provide psychosocial assistance and medical care, rescuing over 20,000 people while operating 12-16 nautical miles off the coast of Libya. The final Mediterranean operation took place in 2017, utilizing the Phoenix and a remotely-piloted drone, including a rescue of approximately 1,500 people over one Easter weekend. In September 2017, MOAS shifted its resources toward the Rohingya crisis.
Global Humanitarian Expansion
Rohingya Crisis in Myanmar and Bangladesh
After a fact-finding mission, MOAS arrived in Bangladesh on September 3, 2017. They delivered 40 tonnes of food and established two field clinics in Shamlapur and Unchiprang. These clinics provide triage, pharmacy, and maternal neonatal services, treating up to 300 people daily—over 40% of whom are children.
Since 2019, MOAS has transitioned toward Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR), which involves training refugee volunteers and host communities in flood, water, and fire safety to prevent future catastrophes.
Famine Relief and Ukraine Response
MOAS provides famine relief in Yemen, Somalia, and Sudan by distributing pharmaceutical supplies and ready-to-use therapeutic foods. More recently, in February 2022, MOAS launched a massive operation in Ukraine. With 150 medical professionals and 50 ambulances, they have saved over 40,000 lives on the frontline and 28,000 in isolated communities.
In collaboration with partners like the Ronald McDonald House Charity (Latvia), MOAS also operates a Mobile Medical Unit to ensure equitable healthcare access for civilians affected by the conflict.
Community Support in Malta
Within Malta, MOAS focuses on the integration of migrant communities. Their projects include English language classes, sports, and personal development. The Remote Learning project provides tablets and modems to ensure adult learners and families maintain educational connectivity.
Operational Summary
| Region/Crisis | Period | Key Assets/Partners | Primary Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Central Mediterranean | 2014–2017 | MY Phoenix, Red Cross Italy, MSF | 41,000+ rescues |
| Aegean Sea | 2015–2016 | Topaz Responder | Emergency maritime rescue |
| Bangladesh/Myanmar | 2017–Present | Field Clinics, MY Phoenix | Medical care for Rohingya refugees |
| Ukraine | 2022–Present | 50 Ambulances, Mobile Medical Unit | 68,000+ lives saved |
| Yemen, Somalia, Sudan | Ongoing | ADRA, IMC | Famine and pharmaceutical relief |
Funding and Partnerships
Initially funded by its founder and private donations, MOAS now relies on a diverse funding model including grant-making organizations, corporate sponsorships, and crowdfunding. Key operational partners include the UNHCR, World Food Programme (WFP), Helvetas, and various national Red Cross societies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary purpose of MOAS?
MOAS (Migrant Offshore Aid Station) is a humanitarian organization that provides emergency search and rescue services at sea and medical and nutritional relief in global crisis zones.
Which vessels did MOAS use for Mediterranean rescues?
MOAS primarily used the MY Phoenix and the Topaz Responder, the latter of which carried two high-speed rescue launches named Alan and Galip.
How has MOAS helped the Rohingya people?
MOAS established field clinics in Bangladesh providing primary and secondary healthcare, delivered food aid via the Phoenix, and currently provides Disaster Risk Reduction training in refugee camps.
What is the scale of the MOAS mission in Ukraine?
MOAS has deployed 150 medical professionals and 50 fully-equipped ambulances, saving over 68,000 people across frontlines and cut-off communities.
How is MOAS funded?
The organization is supported by private citizens, grant-making foundations, corporate sponsorships, and crowdfunding initiatives.