More than 300,000 refugees have launched into the Mediterranean Sea so far this year, fleeing countries like Syria, Afghanistan, Nigeria and Iraq. While that number is down from 2015, fatalities are up: this is the deadliest year on record for refugees in the Mediterranean according to the United Nations, and Pope Francis has called the sea "a graveyard."
Last month, a journalist from the Coloradoan newspaper and two Fort Collins firefighters were among a crew that pulled nearly a thousand refugees to safety. Reporter Jason Pohl embedded in the rescue operation run by Global Disaster Immediate Response Team, or DIRT. He joined Jim Houck and Tom Pickles, volunteers in the effort from the Poudre Fire Authority.
Read Jason Pohl's special report: Saving refugees at sea: Inside 24 hours of chaotic rescues
Pohl and Houck reflected on their experience with Colorado Matters host Nathan Heffel.
How to Help:
- Doctors Without Borders
- International Rescue Committee
- United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR)
- Catholic Relief Services
- Islamic Relief USA
- Mercy-USA
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