Firefighter who saved 8,000 refugees says government created ‘world’s deadliest border’

Brendan Woodhouse said he saw hundreds die during his 10 missions. In one rescue, the father-of-two swam towards a baby who was floating face down in the water – and managed to revive him

A firefighter who helped rescue 8,000 migrants at sea has criticized the government for creating the “world’s deadliest border”.

Brendan Woodhouse, 45, who volunteers aboard SeaWatch3 in the Mediterranean, said he has seen hundreds die during his 10 missions.

In one rescue, the father-of-two swam towards a baby who was floating face down in the water and managed to revive him.

More recently, he rescued 38 people, including two pregnant women, who were seconds from death after their boat sank.

There had been 55 people when they left Libya.

One slipped underwater before they could reach him while others screamed for help.

Brendan spoke up as he received the Firefighters Union Solidarity Medal.

Matlock volunteer, Derbys, said: “I saw hundreds die – it was brutal. I was at a shipwreck a few weeks ago and there was a boy named Samuel. He’s one of the dead – 24,000 people died out there. But it’s no coincidence, it’s orchestrated by governments, including this one.

“When I started doing this in 2016, we had lifeboats. In 2017 they changed the policy and took away these boats. Our border is the deadliest in the world and we made sure of that.”

The Army reservist added: “No one should have to risk their life at sea, in unseaworthy boats, without life jackets, for a journey that I can easily find a flight for online.

“Our limitations are simply not worth sacrificing our principles for. We wouldn’t allow this if the drowning were white people!”

The FBU also presented a medal to former Shadow Chancellor John McDonnell.

Tam McFarlane, Fire Brigades Union Country Officer, said: “Solidarity is at the heart of our union. Brendan and John embody solidarity. They have worked tirelessly to build a better world.”