Milan, 13 March (LaPresse) – Just a few hours after setting off on its 24th rescue mission, the Mediterranea Saving Humans sailing vessel Safira intervened approximately 60 miles south-west of Lampedusa, following a report from Sea-Watch’s Seabird 1 aircraft, to rescue 40 people in grave danger of losing their lives aboard a rubber dinghy that had set sail from Libya the previous day. All the shipwrecked people were therefore taken aboard the civilian rescue vessel. The Mediterranea team responded to a ‘MayDay Relay’ issued by the Frontex Eagle1 aircraft at 1.30 pm regarding the incident. Once the dinghy carrying the people fleeing Libya had been intercepted, it was found to be adrift, overloaded and with its tubes already deflated, at risk of imminent capsizing. The fast rubber dinghy “Abba1”, part of the Safira’s equipment, was launched, carrying the rescue team who immediately distributed life jackets and provided first aid. It was immediately necessary to transfer all the people onto the Safira, seven of whom were women and some of whom were minors. Emergency medical treatment was required for a young man suffering from burns to various parts of his body, and for a further five cases of hypotension and vomiting caused by the long time spent at sea. The Italian authorities have been informed and assistance is awaited whilst the Safira is heading towards Lampedusa to disembark all the shipwrecked people safely.