We Cant Save Everyone": The Hopeless Mission Of The Only Ship Still Rescuing Refugees

(Buzz Feed) - THE CENTRAL MEDITERRANEAN Leave the area immediately now" the voice from the coast guard vessel al-Khifa said again. I am the authority here. Leave the area immediately now." It was 4 a.m. when the threat to the Aquarius rocking in international waters around 30 miles from Libya came over the radio. Not visible was a tiny wooden boat crowded with the people the NGO ship was attempting to rescue. They had fled from Zuwara Libya the night before wading out to the vessel they hoped would take them away from danger and into Europe. Now these men women and children (and one dog) had been unwittingly caught in a standoff between the Libyan coast guard and an international refugee search and rescue boat. ADVERTISEMENT Midway through the Aquariuss last mission BuzzFeed News was onboard witnessing just how difficult these rescue operations have become. There floating in the central Mediterranean Sea the humanitarian vessel had been impeded at every step. The Libyans were just the latest obstacle. As the sun came up the outline of al-Khifa approached. You have made a big problem for us" the radio said. You are aiding smugglers and illegal migrants. We told you to observe. As usual you disobeyed our instructions. We are going to approach." From the bridge the hushed control center of the ship lit only by the red glow of the radar the order was given to fall back nice and calm." The people from the wooden boat caught in the sights of the Aquarius for hours were no closer to safety their would-be rescuers forced away by the presence of the Libyans. We could see a vessel in the distance and we kind of knew that was the Libyan coast guard" said 20-year-old crew member Lotte Bridgham perched in one of two rubber motorboats equipped for rescue missions. It was like a fucking warship out of Mordor." Read More