Over the years Lebanon has taken in over a million refugees, and has one of the world’s highest number of refugees per capita. But since the country’s economic decline began in 2019, hundreds of people have begun to leave by boat, in desperate hope for a better future in Europe.
In late April, an estimated 80 people, including Lebanese, Syrian and Palestinian nationals, boarded a vessel designed for 12, choosing to risk the dangerous trip to Cyprus rather than stay in poverty-stricken Tripoli. The vessel capsized and sunk, with an estimated 32 people trapped inside. The wreck is estimated to be in a depth of 450m.
AusRelief is heading a Search and Recover mission to bring closure to the families affected by this tragedy. Our team will be accompanying the Pisces VI submarine to find the wreck, retrieve the bodies, and provide support and supplies to the families and community devastated by this tragedy.
This pioneering mission is our largest logistical endeavour to date.
Together we can ease the suffering.
