See Pictures of Refugees Rescued in the Stormy Mediterranean
Published 11 Nov 2017, 00:40 GMT
Huddled on the rescue RHIB on their way to the Aquarius, a Syrian child rests in the care of a Pakistani man as the child's mother sits nearby, holding a screaming baby. Others nearby reach out to help calm the baby.
Photograph by Kevin McElvaneyThe Italian Coast Guard, in protective suits, approach the ship to transfer the refugees to their final destination in Pozzalo, Sicily, so the Aquarius can return to the rescue zone more quickly.
Photograph by Kevin McElvaneyKim Danielle Noisex, a Canadian nurse from Médecines Sans Frontiers (Doctors Without Borders), takes care of a child. Twenty-five women and seven children were saved during the rescue operation.
Photograph by Kevin McElvaneyFours after the rescue operation began, all 112 refugees are safe on board the Aquarius. They cover themselves in blankets and new clothes provided by SOS Mediterranee. Women and children are in a separate shelter.
Photograph by Kevin McElvaneySearch and Rescue crewmembers attempt to relax between rescue operations. The thirty crewmembers take care of up to 722 refugees, the maximum number the ship has transferred to Italy (the boat's planned capacity is only 450).
Photograph by Kevin McElvaney