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'You see the suffering in their eyes'

Daniel Pelz and Mathias Bölinger July 29, 2016

The German naval vessel "Frankfurt am Main" was tasked with intercepting smuggling boats and rescuing migrants in the Mediterranean. A DW multimedia special on EU mission Operation Sophia.

https://p.dw.com/p/1JXk3
Mediterranean rescue operation undertaken by crew of German naval vessel Frankfurt am Main
Image: DW/D. Pelz

On board the German naval vessel "Frankfurt am Main" drama, if not tragedy, is never far away. The vessel was taking part in the EU's Operation Sophia and was supposed to hunt down human traffickers and thereby help reduce illegal migration to Europe. This it was unable to accomplish. Instead, it saved thousands of migrants from drowning. For the crew of "Frankfurt am Main" the mission was a test of endurance that raises many questions. Click here to join DW on board the "Frankfurt am Main"

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