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British artist Banksy has recently made headlines by funding an independent lifeboat that patrols the Mediterranean for refugees in distress. His involvement in the rescue mission dates back to September 2019 when he reached out to Pia Klemp, a former captain of several NGO boats that have rescued thousands of people over recent years.
Banksy’s support for this vital cause demonstrates his commitment to using his platform and resources to bring attention to the ongoing refugee crisis and provide practical assistance where it is most needed.
Banksy’s rescue boat ‘MV Louise Michel’ saving lives of refugees in the Mediterranean. Photo courtesy of Louise Michel 2020
The lifeboat M.V.Louise Michel, named after a French feminist anarchist, is a former French Navy boat that has been customised to perform search and rescue operations and now sails under a German flag. Measuring 30 meters in length and capable of reaching speeds of over 28 knots, it was purchased with the proceeds from the sale of a Banksy artwork focused on the migrant crisis. This remarkable vessel represents a powerful symbol of solidarity and humanitarianism, serving as a lifeline for those in desperate need of assistance on the perilous journey across the Mediterranean.
Banksy’s rescue boat ‘MV Louise Michel’ saving lives of refugees in the Mediterranean. Photo courtesy of Louise Michel 2020
The migrant crisis has led to European states instructing their coastguards not to respond to distress calls from individuals deemed as “non-Europeans,” leaving desperate people adrift at sea without help. Additionally, authorities are preventing other boats from providing assistance, going as far as arresting crews and impounding boats. In response to this dire situation, Banksy took action by purchasing an independent high-speed boat capable of outrunning these obstacles. This proactive approach demonstrates a commitment to addressing the shortcomings of current rescue efforts and providing much-needed aid to those in need, despite the challenges posed by official restrictions.
Banksy’s rescue boat ‘MV Louise Michel’ saving lives of refugees in the Mediterranean. Photo courtesy of Louise Michel 2020
The bright pink vessel is adorned with Banksy’s distinctive artwork, featuring a depiction of a girl in a life vest holding a heart-shaped safety buoy. This powerful imagery is a poignant reference to Banksy’s renowned artwork ‘Girl with Balloon,’ which serves as a striking symbol of hope, compassion, and solidarity with those embarking on perilous journeys across the Mediterranean. By incorporating his iconic visual language into the design of the boat, Banksy not only underscores the urgency of the migrant crisis but also amplifies the message of empathy and support for the individuals seeking refuge and safety.
Banksy’s rescue boat ‘MV Louise Michel’ saves the lives of refugees in the Mediterranean. Photo courtesy of Louise Michel 2020
On Thursday, the M.V. Louise Michel, operating in secrecy, embarked on a mission from the Spanish seaport of Burriana, near Valencia, and has already rescued 89 refugees in distress. This swift and impactful response underscores the crucial role of the vessel in providing life-saving assistance to those in desperate need, further highlighting the urgency of addressing the ongoing humanitarian crisis in the Mediterranean.
Banksy’s rescue boat ‘MV Louise Michel’ saving lives of refugees in the Mediterranean. Photo courtesy of Louise Michel 2020
If you would like to support the courageous missions of the Louise Michel Lifeboat, your donations can make a meaningful difference. Contributions will be allocated toward essential mission-related expenses, including medical supplies, search and rescue equipment, legal fees, boat maintenance, fuel, and food. Your support will enable the Louise Michel Lifeboat to sustain its vital operations and continue its life-saving efforts in the Mediterranean, providing critical assistance to those in distress. Please donate here to help ensure that this crucial humanitarian work can persist and thrive.
Banksy’s rescue boat ‘MV Louise Michel’ saving lives of refugees in the Mediterranean. Photo courtesy of Louise Michel 2020
You can find more information on the project here: www.mvlouisemichel.org and follow the crew here: Follow @MVLouiseMichel
Stand in Solidarity And Resistance.
Photos courtesy of Louise Michel
