Since its founding in 2015, the sea rescue association has saved the lives of more than 42,000 castaways in distress. Testimony, report and meeting in the evening “L’Escale Solidaire” at the Châtelet on December 1.
“No one should die at sea. It was this belief, combined with my deep love for the Mediterranean, that drove me to get involved. Initially I volunteered for SOS Méditerranée on land, in Marseille, as a photographer and videographer, then I embarked in the fall of 2022 on a mission that had a huge impact on me.
The first rescue was at night, we couldn’t see much. We had identified the boat, we were getting closer, but until the last moment, we still couldn’t see anything, until we were actually facing the boat. Suddenly, I found myself face to face with a little girl of 4 or 5 years old, whom I shone with my flashlight. He smiled at me and waved. I remember his very childish appearance. It was a little girl, in front of me, who believed me; that’s very normal. At that time, I was still a photographer. As long as no one is in danger, as long as the boat is not submerged in water, I remain a photographer. I’m here for it.
After this rescue, we had to sail for three weeks in search of a reception port, with 234 survivors on board, including many sick and injured, following the refusal of the Italian authorities to accept the ship. Since then, I have embarked on several missions, sometimes critical. On board, there were long waiting times and calm: all day long, we searched, we patrolled, we scanned the sea with binoculars. And then, suddenly, we receive an alert or we see a boat in emergency. So everything is faster. You should be ready in 5 minutes. In reality, you always have to be prepared, so my batteries are charged, my bags are packed, so I can jump into the inflatable boat.
Once the survivors are on board, safe, we honor what we call “golden hour»: we leave them alone so they can rest for a while. Next, I met them with my camera, but without recording, without taking photos, just so they could identify me as a witness. Often, it takes us several days to reach the port, which allows us to build a relationship. Often, I notice that survivors want to be photographed: they know the power of images.
When we approach the theme of exile, the accumulation of numbers and data can erase the existing reality. This is why I want to give an overview to those who cross the sea. Putting a picture on migration allows us to better understand what is happening, to humanize statistics, to create movement in public opinion. Exiles often become victims, and of course suffer a lot on their journey. But I also saw pride in the appearance of the survivors I met, and satisfaction at having escaped. They are not people who let themselves be carried away, they are fighters. This strength is what I want to show.”
