Members will be aware of recent news reporting in respect of the continued movement of refugees and migrants across the Mediterranean Sea. As the weather improves in the region, it is expected that there will be another large movement in 2015, possibly exceeding that of 2014. Rescued persons on board a vessel (Source: Skuld member) The situation In the year past an estimated 200,000 (and possible more) people sought to reach Europe by crossing the Mediterranean Sea. Typically this voyage is undertaken in small craft, heavily overloaded, and overall unsuitable for such a passage. Many are feared to have perished in the attempt. There were also attempts made with the use of larger commercial vessels sent on auto pilot towards Italy. Skuld vessels were involved in many rescues and are estimated to have taken on board several thousand people during 2014. The reasons for this movement of people, unprecedented in Europe since World War II, are many, but can be traced back to conflicts and economic issues in large areas of Africa and the Middle East, particularly the situation in Syria and Libya have contributed to the present state of affairs. It is estimated that over the winter months several hundred thousand people have massed in Libya and are now preparing to make the passage to Europe as the weather improves. According to the UN High Commission for Refugees, over 13,500 people were rescued in the period of 10 April to 17 April 2015, and 900 are feared to have perished this year (not including those who may have died over the weekend). Over the weekend a further significant incident occurred, which may have resulted in several hundred deaths. Skuld vessels were among those asked by the authorities to assist in the Search and Rescue (SAR) operation. At present the outlook is that for the rest of year there will be a continued movement of people across the Mediterranean. Members with vessels trading in this area, or passing through it, will need to be prepared for the s