Maltese Rescuers Return After Recovering Hundreds Of Bodies In Derna
The Armed Forces of Malta’s vessel, P61, is en route back to Malta from Derna port. The contingent, which includes members of the Civil Protection Department (CPD) and the Armed Forces of Malta (AFM), has been confirmed safe amid conflicting reports regarding the fate of some Maltese personnel.
While aiding in emergency rescue efforts following the devastating flood in Derna, Maltese search and rescue teams made a chilling discovery: a beach covered with hundreds of bodies. This tragic find was in addition to a group of seven bodies, three of them children, located inside a partially submerged sea cave.
Derna, a city on Libya’s coast, was hit by a massive flash flood resembling a tsunami last Sunday. This calamity, believed to have resulted from deteriorating dams, claimed the lives of at least 11,000 individuals. In response, Malta deployed a 73-person rescue team comprising CPD and AFM officials to assist the Libyan city. By Friday, Maltese rescue teams, with the aid of drones, had recovered several bodies washed out to sea and made a heartbreaking discovery of around 400 bodies in a debris-filled bay.
Furthermore, the Maltese rescuers managed to save a Libyan team member who encountered health issues while diving. As their mission continued, they handed over the recovered bodies to Libyan authorities.
The disaster in Derna has raised serious concerns among aid organisations about potential disease outbreaks, given the possible contamination of water systems. Immediate needs in the region include food, shelter, medicine, and clean water. International bodies and organisations are mobilising resources and appeals to assist those affected.
Rest in peace to all victims.