Spanish NGO halts Mediterranean rescue operations, citing fuel prices

SMH says it can no longer afford search-and-rescue work in one of the world’ss most dangerous migration routes.Published On 14 Oct 202614 Oct 2026A Spanish charity has postponed its next migrant rescue mission in the Central Mediterranean until next year due to rising fuel costs, underscoring the humanitarian impact of rising energy prices.Salvamento Maritimo Humanitario (Humanitarian Maritime Rescue, or SMH) said on Wednesday that the doubling of fuel prices forced it to shift its activities to waters around Valencia, southeastern Spain.Recommended Stories list of 4 itemslist 1 of 4Forty-two migrants presumed dead after shipwreck near Libya: UNlist 2 of 4‘Journey of hell’: Migrants in Libya endure torture, rape, forced labourlist 3 of 4Mediterranean migrant deaths mounting towards 1,000 in 2026: UNlist 4 of 4Deadly journeys: Refugees, migrants risk everything to reach Europeend of listThe group, which operates a fishing vessel converted into a rescue ship, also launched a crowdfunding campaign to cover the extra costs.The Central Mediterranean crossing from North Africa to Italy is one of the world’s most dangerous migration routes.Many of those attempt the crossing on overcrowded...