The MOAS migrant rescue mission is still millions of euros short of being able to set sail again but major benefactors could help get the show on the road by May.

Founder Chris Catrambone told Times of Malta that a number of possibilities were being considered.

Photo: Ivan Martin

The Phoenix rescue vessel saved 3,000 weary migrants last year in operations costing in excess of €4 million.

In 2014, the mission was completely funded by Mr Catrambone and his wife Regina. This year, however, the philanthropists have called on the public for financial support, raking in some €65,000 in online donations.

While thanking the donors “from the bottom of my heart”, Mr Catrambone said running the mission would cost around €400,000 every month – an ocean away from the current level of funding collected.

“We have shown that operations like this can be done, and can be done with a certain level of success. With the right funding, I want to see this continue,” he said, speaking in the ships’ bridge.

Although wary of commenting further, as he did not want to “scare potential donors away”, Mr Catrambone said one possibility being explored would be partnering up with other major humanitarian entities.

Photo: Ivan Martin

Many of these, he said, had previously been unable to offer maritime rescue services and could join forces with MOAS.

In fact, Mr Catrambone said he had aspirations for the mission to branch out and see more, newer boats, carrying out wider operations.

He was speaking during an onboard visit by MEP Roberta Metsola and Nationalist MP Francis Zammit Dimech.

Dr Metsola, who was recently appointed Shadow Minister for European and Foreign Affairs, sits on the LIBE Committee, an EU-body dedicated to discussing migration.

Thanking the Catrambones for their efforts, she said it was essential for Europe to tow the same line and increase efforts to save fleeing migrants’ lives.