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SMH Suspends Central Mediterranean Rescues After Fuel Costs Rise

By Drooid · Oct 15, 2026, 2:52 AM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

Salvamento Maritimo Humanitario (SMH) says it can no longer afford Central Mediterranean rescue work.
SMH postponed its next rescue mission until next year because fuel costs doubled.
SMH shifted operations to waters near Valencia in southeastern Spain.
SMH started a crowdfunding drive to cover higher fuel bills.
Open Arms also cut its Central Mediterranean missions because of fuel costs and Italy’s port-assignment policy.

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Story summary

Salvamento Maritimo Humanitario (SMH) says it can no longer afford Central Mediterranean rescue work.
SMH postponed its next rescue mission until next year because fuel costs doubled.
SMH shifted operations to waters near Valencia in southeastern Spain.
SMH started a crowdfunding drive to cover higher fuel bills.
Open Arms also cut its Central Mediterranean missions because of fuel costs and Italy’s port-assignment policy.