Schiebel Camcopters S-100 assists in the rescue of refugees in the Med

MOAS (Migrant Offshore Aid Station), a registered non-profit organisation based in Malta, owns a 40-meter-long vessel named Phoenix that’s used for the rescue of refugees at sea. Stationed aboard this ship, the Camcopters S-100 will serve to considerably extend the reach of the Phoenix beyond horizon. With the aid of this helicopter drone, refugee boats can be located by day and night, even in rough sea conditions and at a long distance away. The camera of the S- 100 delivers daylight and infrared video in real time to the MOAS team, enabling them to immediately assess the situation and provide the help necessary as well as to coordinate all actions in cooperation with other rescue and aid authorities throughout the Mediterranean area. 

During the entire mission the Camcopters S-100 will be operated and maintained by Schiebel staff. 

While MOAS was able to rescue 2800 people in only 60 days last year, according to estimates over 3400 refuges in their attempts to reach Europe in 2014 lost their lives at sea. This year already more than 1800 people are believed to have died trying to cross the Mediterranean – a sharp increase to last year. 

Hans Georg Schiebel, chairman and owner of Schiebel, “With our combined efforts and the experience gained from the last mission, we will save even more lives this year. We all at Schiebel are very proud and excited to support MOAS and its important rescue mission.”