CISOM (the Corpo Italiano Soccorso dell’ Ordine di Malta) of the Italian Association of SMOM has reinforced its presence of medical teams in Lampedusa due to the heavy influx of migrants which are arriving on the island.
The Order of Malta in Italy has a diplomatic agreement to provide specialized medical teams to the Guardia Costiera and the Guardia di Finanza. This includes providing the medics and paramedics on board the lifeboats and patrol boats of the two Italian security corps.
Last month CISOM sent more medics and volunteers to Lampedusa and these will be giving medical assistance during the current numerous landings and will also travel on the Coast Guard and Police boats to collect the migrants out at sea.
In one such recent case, a migrant fell into the sea and was saved by the Italian rescuers and Order of Malta medics.
Thousands of migrants, including Tunisians and Libyans, are escaping to Italy via Lampedusa during this delicate time in the Mediterrenean. Previously such departures were from Libya, but now the majority are taking place from Tunisia.
Through this new diplomatic agreement with the Italian authorities, the Order of Malta said it is the first relief aid organisation to assist with this new influx of refugees on the high seas.