I joined a migrant rescue patrol and saw the harrowing reality of people smuggling

Something is bobbing in the distance in the deep blue of the Mediterranean Sea . From the windows of this tiny plane, soaring high above the water, it is almost indistinguishable. The aircraft tilts sharply and zooms closer, as the crew hold their binoculars to the glass. It comes into view: it is a small, blue wooden boat packed with around 25 people, including women and children. Few have life…