Spanish charity SMH postpones Central Mediterranean rescue mission to 2027, citing fuel costs

Spanish humanitarian charity Salvamento Maritimo Humanitario (SMH) has postponed its next migrant rescue mission in the Central Mediterranean until 2027. The charity attributed the decision to rising fuel costs. It made the announcement on Wednesday, 14 October 2026. Al Jazeera and Reuters both reported the decision.

Fuel costs and a shift to Valencia

According to Al Jazeera, SMH said fuel prices had doubled. The charity said this forced it to move its activities to waters around Valencia, in southeastern Spain. The summary of the Reuters report reviewed by Vocemundi describes the costs as "soaring" but gives no figure. Neither report gives absolute fuel prices or the period over which they doubled.

Al Jazeera reported that SMH operates a fishing vessel converted into a rescue ship. It also reported that the charity has launched a crowdfunding campaign to cover the extra costs. The reports do not describe the campaign's target or how much it has raised. They also do not describe what SMH's activities around Valencia involve, or whether they include search and rescue.

The reports do not say when the postponed mission was originally scheduled, or when in 2027 it might resume. They do not include SMH's original statement or direct quotes from its representatives.

According to Al Jazeera, NGO ships leaving Spain typically sail two to three days to reach their operating area. This raises costs and reduces the time available for search-and-rescue work. Al Jazeera also reported that many migrants attempt the crossing from Libya's coast on overcrowded, unsuitable boats.

Crossing figures

Al Jazeera cited a report released by what it called the "International Office for Migration". According to Al Jazeera, about 60,000 migrants and refugees have reached Europe by boat so far in 2026. That is down 39 percent from roughly 98,000 over the same period last year. Citing the same agency, Al Jazeera reported that at least 2,292 people have died or gone missing attempting the crossing this year.

The reports do not identify the specific report or its publication date. They do not establish whether lower crossing numbers are related to reduced NGO rescue activity.

What each side says

• SMH says it can no longer afford search-and-rescue work on the Central Mediterranean route, according to Al Jazeera. Al Jazeera reported the charity as saying a doubling of fuel prices forced it to move to waters around Valencia. The Reuters summary reports only the postponement over fuel costs.
• Open Arms, another Spanish NGO, says it has scaled back its Central Mediterranean missions in recent years, according to Al Jazeera. It cites rising fuel costs and Italy's policy of assigning rescue vessels ports in northern Italy.
• The Italian government says humanitarian rescue operations encourage migrants to attempt the crossing, according to Al Jazeera. The reports do not include a response from the Italian government to SMH's decision.

Analysis

SMH's decision points to a broader cost pressure on charity-run rescue operations, which Open Arms also cites. Longer transits from Spain add expense, according to Al Jazeera, while Open Arms also points to Italy's assignment of ports in northern Italy. If costs remain high, more organisations could reduce or relocate their activities; if funding through campaigns such as SMH's crowdfunding succeeds, some operations could resume sooner. Supporters of rescue missions and the Italian government hold differing views on the effects of such operations. The reports reviewed by Vocemundi do not establish any link between reduced NGO presence and changes in crossing numbers or deaths, so conclusions on that question would require further evidence.

Produced by the Vocemundi newsroom with AI assistance.