Search-and-rescue operations do not seem to have an influence on the crossing attempts of migrants in the central Mediterranean Sea

The search for and rescue of boats transporting migrants across the central Mediterranean Sea does not seem to have any influence on the number of people starting the risky journey. This is the conclusion of a research team led by Potsdam social scientist Alejandra Rodríguez Sánchez, who analyzed data on attempted crossings between 2011 and 2020. It contradicts the often-made claim that the search-and-rescue operations themselves contribute to more people attempting the Mediterranean crossing - and thus increase their risk of death. Rather, the researchers’ analysis suggests that migration across the central Mediterranean during this period was driven more by factors such as conflict, economic or environmental conditions. ...