In 2017 alone, over 100,000 internationally displaced people crossed the sea route between Libya and Italy, according to reports by the International Organisation for Migration. More than 22,500 have been reportedly died or disappeared globally since 2014 while attempting to cross the Mediterranean.

Sea routes represent an increasing risk for displaced populations, estimates by the World Economic Forum predict that by 2030 as many as 1 billion people will have been displaced due to climate change, natural disasters, war and violence.

Currently, non-governmental organizations (NGOs) lend humanitarian aid to people at risk of dying at sea, tricked to take dangerous routes in overcrowded vessels and rafts not suited to withstand the long trip. These humanitarian missions have focused on providing survival aid, based on alleviating physiological needs as hunger, dehydration and medical aid.

Ankoré aims at improving humanitarian aid at sea, by focusing not only on the basic needs, but also providing psychological relief through a redesign of the human-centered experience and empathetic aspects of rescue missions. After a careful analysis of the current protocols and standards of rescue mission operations on the Libya-Italy route, we propose an upgrade of the different systems of rescue vessels, taking into consideration the psychological impact on all the different stages of the rescue journey, improving psychological conditions to provide a sense of security and belongingness. The following design concepts are the result of this exercise.

As displacement problems increase around the globe, so will the need for services that provide humanitarian relief. This platform works as a template and starting point for upgrading and iterating on future solutions for rescue at sea.

The Rescue Docking Station

The rescue docking station is designed to improve security and stabilize inflatable boats while getting the refugees onboard. If the boat is at risk of sinking, the station has a net under the boat that provides support. Also, its structure limits the flow of the people in order to keep order on the boat. The docking station uses the same interface connection of the MacGregor G-Davit cranes to be stored on the vessel.

The Medical room

The medical room is designed to reduce stress and make patients feel at ease. Inspired by analogous calm-friendly environments and relaxing patterns, it is designed to create an innovative, differentiated and patient-centric experience. The design of the medical facility is focused on welcoming and supporting patients through an unique environment, easing the levels of anxiety.

The Room of Silence

The room of silence offers a calm space for people to grieve. Individuals and families can find support in each other and ease the pain caused by the traumatic experiences they have faced. The room provides a setting for healing mental scars and relieving future trauma.

The Sleeping Area

The sleeping quarters are situated on the deck of the vessel, under the shelter structure. Two level bunk beds are organized in compact rows and fit almost 300 people comfortably. Curtains offer additional privacy and personal space. A more humane alternative to sleeping on the floor.

The Emergency Kit

Rescued survivors receive an Emergency Kit to alleviate needs that arise from been adrift at sea. The redesigned kit provides useful tools for their journey once on land, thus helping people maintain a level of comfort in the subsequent days. The kit includes a portable and stackable water + food container that stores dry and wet servings in separate compartments, and a spoon/fork. Included is also a “poncho” that can be turned into a sleeping blanket or stored in a practical bag.

Guidebook & Guideimages

The rescued are given a guidebook, with their own languages, and an educational session to provide basic information for easy settlement. Also, cultural facilitators and volunteers can guide the rescued with Guideimages that contents are mainly composed of images and easy words in case of the illiterate.

Information system

The clear signage in the ship navigate intuitionally the rescued the place where they want to go. Each pictogram and line has it own colour and pattern, showing direction. Everyone can recognise a destination though a big pictogram and color line surrounding a door without difficulty.

The Grey Water Washroom

Washrooms on the Rescue ships are portable. Due to several rescues in a day the water is not used to its bare minimum and the washrooms overflow with wastewater due to over usage. The washroom concept allows use of recycled water which is the water used to wash hands, clothes or body. This is then used for the flushing system. The washroom is designed in such a way where the small space feels comfortable and ambient through the play of design and light.