Spanish NGO halts Mediterranean rescue operations, citing fuel prices

A 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. The 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.