This archive report was first published on 24 June 2020.
Rescue workers in the Mediterranean are facing a daunting task: saving lives while battling the heat and the risk of coronavirus transmission.
The Ocean Viking rescue ship, chartered by French aid group SOS-Mediterranee, has resumed its mission in the region after a three-month suspension due to the health crisis.
On board, crew members are rehearsing operations under COVID-19 protection measures, including wearing heavy equipment such as helmets, visors, and respirator-style face masks.
"It's horrendous," said aid worker Ludovic, who was slumped in a corner of the ship's orange inflatable speedboat, panting after pulling Oscar the dummy on board and performing CPR for three minutes while wearing the equipment.
"I'm sorry, but I can't breathe!" he exclaimed, his mask now dangling on one ear.
"It's going to be a lot harder than previously expected," said fellow rescuer Mary, who also had to stop for a breather and drink some water during the two-hour exercise.
"We're trying to do two contradictory things –- respect safety measures regarding the coronavirus but also limit stress for the rescuers who are already under maximum pressure," said Nicholas Romaniuk, head of onboard operations.
"You can't save anyone if you're not in a good way," he added.
With their faces fully obscured, Romaniuk is worried that the rescuers might be taken for Libyan coastguards by the migrants at sea, which might provoke panic as the coastguards take them back to the war-torn country and often detain them.
More than 100,000 migrants tried to cross the Mediterranean last year, with over 1,200 dying in the attempt, according to the UN's International Organization for Migration.
