Mediterranea Saving Humans
Mediterranea Saving Humans is an Italian non-profit civil society platform founded in 2018 that conducts search and rescue operations in the Mediterranean Sea using the Mare Jonio vessel and more than 40 volunteer Land Crews, serving migrants, refugees, and unaccompanied minors fleeing conflict and violence.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2018
- HeadquartersBologna, Italy
- Headcount51–100
- GTM typeB2C
- OfferingServices
What Mediterranea Saving Humans does
Mediterranea Saving Humans (Mediterranea Saving Humans – APS) is an Italian non-profit association founded in summer 2018 in Bologna, operating as a civil society platform that links networks, individuals, and non-governmental projects around Mediterranean migration and humanitarian solidarity. Its core mission is search and rescue (SAR) in the central Mediterranean Sea, conducted from the Mare Jonio — a 38-metre Italian-flagged tugboat in service since 1972 and the only Italian-flagged civil rescue vessel — and the Safira2 sailing vessel deployed for Mission 24 starting March 2026. The organization also runs land missions in Ukraine (MEDcare4UKR) and Palestine (Mediterranea with Palestine), and documents human rights violations while advocating against the criminalization of NGOs operating under the Italian Piantedosi Decree.
Operationally, Mediterranea is structured around Sea Crews (professional seafarers and specialized activists with navigation, emergency medical, and SAR training) and more than 40 Land Crews organized across Italy, Europe, and the United States in a horizontal structure with full local autonomy. Working groups coordinate Communications, Fundraising, School, Educational Content, Land Crews Coordination, and Med Report (a monthly online magazine). The organization is a co-plaintiff alongside EMERGENCY, Sea-Watch, SOS Humanity, SOS MEDITERRANEE, and Louise Michel in the Cutro shipwreck trial, and is a member of the Justice Fleet alliance of 13 SAR organizations formed in November 2025.
The revenue model is entirely donation-based: small contributions from individuals, organizations, and solidarity groups via website, PayPal, or bank transfer through Banca Etica (IBAN IT37V0501802400000016878019), recurring membership programs, and fundraising events. No products or services are sold, no government contracts or institutional grants are disclosed, and financial statements for 2020, 2021, and 2022 are publicly available on the website. Marketing and donor engagement operate through a broad digital footprint (Facebook, Twitter/X, Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube, Twitch), the NAVTEXT open update service, and a Press Kit and Ufficio Stampa function. Six members, including co-founder Luca Casarini, are currently on trial in Sicily for a 2020 rescue operation, and the organization has repeatedly secured court rulings (Trapani, Agrigento) against Piantedosi Decree sanctions.
Mediterranea Saving Humans firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Mediterranea Saving Humans
- Legal name
- Mediterranea Saving Humans – APS
- Website
- https://mediterranearescue.org
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2018
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 51–100 employees
- Short description
- Mediterranea Saving Humans is an Italian non-profit civil society platform founded in 2018 that conducts search and rescue operations in the Mediterranean Sea using the Mare Jonio vessel and more than 40 volunteer Land Crews, serving migrants, refugees, and unaccompanied minors fleeing conflict and violence.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Mediterranea Saving Humans industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Maritime Search and Rescue Services
- NAICS
- Emergency and Other Relief Services (624230), Community Food and Housing, and Emergency and Other Relief Services (6242), Emergency and Other Relief Services (62423)
- SIC
- Services-Social Services (8300)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Emergency Response & Search-and-Rescue (SAR) (BPAGAAAA)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Disaster Response & Search and Rescue (SAR) (BPADADAA), Refugee, IDP & Migration Humanitarian Assistance (BPAGAAAH), Humanitarian Health & Emergency Medical Relief NGOs (HLAJAKAE)
Keywords
Where Mediterranea Saving Humans is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Bologna
- HQ country
- Italy
- HQ region
- Europe
Offices4 records
Markets served
Mediterranea Saving Humans business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2C
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Operations, Personnel, Infrastructure, Supply Chain, Marketing or Sales, Others
Revenue model
- Small Donations: Mediterranea Saving Humans relies on small donations from individuals, organizations, and solidarity groups. Donations can be made monthly or as individual contributions through the website, PayPal, or bank transfer.
- Fundraising Events: Contributions come from fundraising events organized by Land Crews, and private events such as weddings, graduations, and memorials.
- Membership Contributions: Revenue generated through membership programs where members join and support the organization's missions.
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels4 records
Marketing channels10 records
Mediterranea Saving Humans product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Mediterranea Saving Humans operates civil search and rescue (SAR) operations in the Mediterranean Sea using the Mare Jonio tugboat and Safira2 sailing boat, complemented by a network of more than 40 autonomous Land Crews running grassroots solidarity initiatives across Italy, Europe, and the United States. The organization also runs humanitarian land missions supporting civilians in Ukraine (MEDcare4UKR) and Palestine (Mediterranea with Palestine), and provides open communications updates via NAVTEXT. The work is performed by trained Sea Crews (mariners, rescuers, doctors, logistics) and supported by thematic working groups for communications, fundraising, education, and reporting.
Product overview
Mediterranea Saving Humans operates as a civil society humanitarian organization conducting search and rescue (SAR) operations in the Mediterranean Sea. Its core product portfolio consists of: the Mare Jonio (a 38-metre Italian-flagged rescue tugboat operational since 1972), the Safira2 sailing boat for monitoring missions, and a network of Sea Crews and Land Crews (more than 40 regional activist groups across Italy, Europe, and the United States). Supporting services include NAVTEXT (an open update service), Working Groups (Comms, Fundraising, School, Educational Content, Land Crews Coordination, and Med Report), and the Civil Fleet network. The organization conducts recurring mission series (Mediterraneo #21, Mission 24, etc.) for maritime rescue operations, alongside land missions in Ukraine and Palestine solidarity initiatives.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- Mediterranea with Palestine: A specific initiative focused on Palestinian operations, including annual reports on Masafer Yatta and other Palestinian territories activities.
- Mare Jonio
- Safira2
- Civil Fleet
Products and services
- Mare Jonio Sea Rescue Operations Search and rescue (SAR) missions in the central Mediterranean conducted aboard the Mare Jonio, a 38-metre tugboat and the only Italian-flagged civil rescue vessel, serving migrants and refugees in distress at sea.
- Safira2 Monitoring Missions Monitoring missions in the central Mediterranean (between Tunisia and Lampedusa) conducted aboard the Safira2 sailing boat, supporting search and rescue readiness for migrants attempting the crossing.
- Recurring Mediterraneo Mission Series Numbered series of sea rescue missions (e.g., Mediterraneo #21, Mission 24) carried out by Mediterranea's vessels to provide continuous SAR coverage in the central Mediterranean.
- Land Crews Grassroots Solidarity Network Network of more than 40 autonomous regional Land Crews across Italy, Europe, and the United States that organize local initiatives, campaigns, and events to build grassroots solidarity with migrants and refugees.
- Sea Crews Professional SAR Crewing Trained professional maritime crews (deck and engine divisions plus specialized activists) who operate the Mare Jonio and Safira2 on SAR missions, including navigators, rescuers, doctors, logisticians, and coordinators.
- MEDcare4UKR Ukraine Land Missions Humanitarian land missions in Ukraine that rescue and support the civilian population affected by the war, applying the same rescue-first principle used at sea.
- Mediterranea with Palestine Observer and Missions International observatory and field initiative documenting the situation in Palestinian territories (including annual reports on Masafer Yatta) and conducting solidarity land missions in support of the Palestinian population.
- Civil Fleet Coordination Program Coordination program for the network of civil rescue vessels operated by Mediterranea and partner organizations, expanding civil SAR capacity in the Mediterranean beyond the Mare Jonio and Safira2.
- Membership Program Membership program through which individual supporters join Mediterranea and provide recurring contributions to fund its sea and land missions.
Quantifiable outcome
- Over 200 lives saved in recent operations
- +3 more outcomes
Companies that use Mediterranea Saving Humans
Customer profileNamed customers3 records
Segments1 record
Ideal customer profiles2 records
Mediterranea Saving Humans technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature3 records
Mediterranea Saving Humans partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Ten partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.
- Justice FleetcoreAlliance of 13 search and rescue organizations from Germany, France, Italy, and Spain united to defend people fleeing and rescue operations from illegal pushbacks, repression, and criminalization of NGOs. Members include Sea-Watch, SOS-Humanity, Louise Michel, and others. The alliance suspends operational communications with Tripoli's JRCC and combines legal, political, and communication strategies.
- EMERGENCYcoreItalian medical humanitarian organization. Mediterranea and EMERGENCY are co-plaintiffs in the Cutro shipwreck trial, seeking truth and justice for victims alongside Sea-Watch, SOS Humanity, and SOS MEDITERRANEE.
- Sea-WatchcoreGerman maritime rescue organization. Co-plaintiff in Cutro trial and member of Justice Fleet alliance. Collaborated on SAR operations using Seabird civil observation aircraft.
- SOS HumanitycoreMaritime rescue organization. Co-plaintiff in Cutro shipwreck trial alongside other SAR organizations.
- SOS MEDITERRANEEcoreEuropean maritime rescue organization. Co-plaintiff in Cutro shipwreck trial and Justice Fleet member.
- Louise MichelcoreRescue vessel project. Co-plaintiff in Cutro shipwreck trial and Justice Fleet member.
- Alarm PhonecoreEmergency hotline for boats in distress. Collaborates on rescue alerts and coordinates SAR operations with Mediterranea.
- European Center for Constitutional and Human Rights (ECCHR)minorLegal organization supporting Justice Fleet with constitutional and human rights advocacy.
- Refugees in LibyacoreHuman rights organization coordinating with Mediterranea on Libya-related advocacy and documentation of pushbacks and violence.
- Banca EticaminorEthical banking partner for Mediterranea's financial operations. Bank details provided for donations: IBAN IT37V0501802400000016878019
Scale indicators4 records
Recent moves9 records
Expansion highlights6 records
Mediterranea Saving Humans competitors and assessment
Company assessmentEmerging players
- EMERGENCY: Italian medical humanitarian NGO providing medical care to migrants; co-plaintiff with Mediterranea in the Cutro trial and operational peer for medical-on-shore component of rescued migrants.
Direct peers
- Open Arms: Spanish civil SAR NGO founded in 2015 operating the Open Arms vessel in the Mediterranean; directly comparable mission, vessel-based operations, and exposure to European criminalization of NGO rescues.
- Sea-Eye: German civil SAR organization operating the Sea-Eye 4 in the central Mediterranean; comparable fleet-based rescue model, donor-funded nonprofit structure, and Justice Fleet-adjacent mission alignment.
- Alarm Phone: Emergency hotline for boats in distress coordinating with Mediterranea and other SAR fleets; comparable civil society emergency response mission for migrants in the central Mediterranean.
- SOS MEDITERRANEE: European maritime rescue organization founded in 2015 operating the Aquarius and successor vessels; Justice Fleet co-member and Cutro co-plaintiff with Mediterranea, with directly overlapping SAR operating model and Mediterranean focus.
- Sea-Watch: German civil SAR NGO operating rescue vessels (and the Seabird observation aircraft) in the Mediterranean; co-plaintiff with Mediterranea in the Cutro trial and fellow Justice Fleet member, making it the closest operational and strategic peer.
- MOAS (Migrant Offshore Aid Station): International SAR NGO that operated rescue vessels in the Mediterranean from 2014-2017; directly comparable founding-era civil fleet model and central Mediterranean mission before operations shifted.
- SOS Humanity: German maritime rescue organization operating its own SAR vessel in the central Mediterranean; co-plaintiff with Mediterranea in the Cutro trial and Justice Fleet member, directly comparable in mission, vessel model, and donor-funded structure.
Broad incumbents
- Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF): Global medical humanitarian organization that runs Mediterranean search-and-rescue operations (e.g., Geo Barents) alongside broader global health programs; broader incumbent with overlapping SAR mission and medical relief for migrants.
Others
- Sea-Watch e.V. (air unit) / Seabird: Civil observation aircraft operated by Sea-Watch providing aerial reconnaissance of distress cases in the Mediterranean; adjacent enabling capability that Mediterranea coordinates with for SAR tasking.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat4 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights6 records
Customer concentration
Mediterranea Saving Humans social profiles
Digital presenceMediterranea Saving Humans financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Mediterranea Saving Humans leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles8 records
Mediterranea Saving Humans funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Mediterranea Saving Humans M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Mediterranea Saving Humans
What does Mediterranea Saving Humans do?
Mediterranea Saving Humans operates civil search and rescue (SAR) operations in the Mediterranean Sea using the Mare Jonio tugboat and Safira2 sailing boat, complemented by a network of more than 40 autonomous Land Crews running grassroots solidarity initiatives across Italy, Europe, and the United States. The organization also runs humanitarian land missions supporting civilians in Ukraine (MEDcare4UKR) and Palestine (Mediterranea with Palestine), and provides open communications updates via NAVTEXT. The work is performed by trained Sea Crews (mariners, rescuers, doctors, logistics) and supported by thematic working groups for communications, fundraising, education, and reporting.
Is Mediterranea Saving Humans a public or private company?
Mediterranea Saving Humans is a private company. It is classified as nonprofit foundation owned and is currently operating.
When was Mediterranea Saving Humans founded?
Mediterranea Saving Humans was founded in 2018. It employs 51 to 100 people.
Where is Mediterranea Saving Humans based?
Mediterranea Saving Humans is headquartered in Bologna, Italy, in the Europe region.
How does Mediterranea Saving Humans make money?
Three revenue lines are on record. Small Donations are the primary driver. The others are fundraising Events and membership Contributions.
Who are Mediterranea Saving Humans's main competitors?
EMERGENCY is listed as an emerging player. Direct peers are Open Arms, Sea-Eye, Alarm Phone, SOS MEDITERRANEE, Sea-Watch, MOAS (Migrant Offshore Aid Station) and SOS Humanity. Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) is listed as a broad incumbent. Sea-Watch e.V. (air unit) / Seabird is listed as an others.
Does Mediterranea Saving Humans have an API?
No public API is recorded for Mediterranea Saving Humans.
What industry is Mediterranea Saving Humans in?
Mediterranea Saving Humans's product category is Maritime Search and Rescue Services. Its primary akta.pro industry code is BPAGAAAA, Emergency Response & Search-and-Rescue (SAR), with a secondary code of BPADADAA, Disaster Response & Search and Rescue (SAR). Its NAICS code is 624230 and its SIC code is 8300.