RESQSHIP

RESQSHIP is a German charity based in Hamburg, with further branches in Freiburg, Mainz and Augsburg,^[1] founded in 2017.^{[citation needed]}

From 2019 to 2021, the Non-Governmental Organisation operated the 14-metre (46 ft) sailing yacht Josefa,  ^[wd][2] primarily to observe and monitor the situation off the Libyan coast.^[3][4] However, on occasion the Josefa was in such a position as to need to carry out rescues herself. Typically, as she is a relatively small yacht, in such cases onward transfer to a larger vessel was arranged as soon as possible after the initial rescue.^[5][6] Josefa is named for a woman rescued from the sea by the NGO Proactiva Open Arms.^[7]

According to RESQSHIP, during 2019, the Josefa carried out nine rescue missions.^[8]

In May 2021 Josefa was replaced with a newer and larger (18-metre (59 ft)) ketch, the Nadir.  ^[wd][8] Although some sources mention a schooner, this is clearly contradicted by pictures of Nadir showing her to have ketch rig. Resqship resumed operations in June 2021^[2] with the Nadir.^[8][9] In August 2021, the Nadir took part with other vessels in the rescue of some 800 refugees from unseaworthy craft.^[10] In April 2023, the Nadir rescued 47 persons from an overcrowded steel boat at risk of sinking, after standing by to assist 54 others on a wooden vessel the previous night.^[11] In June 2024, Resqship's Nadir saved 52 people on one vessel near Lampedusa.^[12][13] RESQSHIP reported that on 31 July 2025, one day after release from detention, Nadir rescued 48 persons from drowning.^[14] In August 2025, the Nadir was involved in the rescue of 65 refugees during an event where a further three died.^[15]