Oscar Camps

Born and raised in Barcelona, Camps began his career as an entrepreneur with a focus on maritime safety. He founded Proactiva Serveis Aquàtics SL, a company specializing in lifeguard and rescue services on Spanish beaches and swimming pools. Over the years, the company grew, employing hundreds of people during peak seasons and establishing a reputation for ensuring the safety of swimmers in various coastal areas. However, it wasn’t until 2015 that Camps’s work took a drastically different direction, leading him to the international stage as a prominent humanitarian figure.

In September 2015, the world was shocked by images of refugees, particularly children, drowning while trying to reach Europe by sea. One such image, of a young boy named Alan Kurdi who had drowned on a Turkish beach, deeply affected Camps. Realizing that there was an acute lack of aid and rescue operations for refugees making the dangerous journey across the Mediterranean, Camps felt compelled to act. He and a colleague offered their extensive rescue equipment and skills to assist in Greece but received no official response from either Greek or Spanish authorities.

“Imagine fleeing your country, crossing borders where you face militias, the desert, and endless danger. For someone in that situation, it’s not about choosing to risk the sea; it’s about survival. They’re not looking for a lifeboat – they’re fighting to live.”

Determined, Camps and a small team of volunteers traveled to Lesbos on their own with minimal equipment, such as a wetsuit and basic rescue gear, to aid in rescuing refugees. Despite limited resources, the group successfully began rescuing people stranded at sea, providing first aid and assisting those who had managed to reach the shore. This effort soon developed into a fully operational NGO, Proactiva Open Arms, which Camps founded with the goal of offering sustained assistance to refugees crossing the Mediterranean. His prior experience in maritime safety played a crucial role in shaping the organization’s approach, focusing on rapid response and efficient rescue operations.

In the years following its establishment, Proactiva Open Arms expanded its mission. As the European Union implemented stricter policies to manage the influx of refugees, including the controversial 2016 EU-Turkey agreement, the focus of rescue efforts shifted from the Aegean Sea to the Central Mediterranean, which had become the deadliest migrant route. Camps and his team adapted, deploying ships and professional rescuers to patrol these waters. Their mission was not only to rescue those in peril but also to bear witness to the human cost of Europe’s migration policies.

“Just saving one life out there is so huge. When you’re days from port and find a boat in real trouble, and there’s no one else around for miles and hours, you know if you’re not there, those people won’t last 24 hours. And if they die, who even knows? No one. Sure, there are satellites scanning the Mediterranean, but what good does that do?”

By 2019, Proactiva Open Arms had rescued over 60,000 people, thanks to the dedication of Camps and his crew of volunteers. However, their work has not been without challenges. Camps and his organization have faced opposition from several European governments, which have imposed restrictions on NGO-led rescue missions. There have been instances where Proactiva Open Arms vessels were denied entry into ports, leading to prolonged standoffs at sea with rescued migrants on board. Despite these obstacles, Camps has remained steadfast in his commitment to saving lives, often criticizing European leaders for what he sees as their failure to protect vulnerable refugees.

“From a distance, you don’t see people; you see resources, tools to pressure other countries, to destabilize populations, then to come up with solutions to the chaos. But that’s why we don’t see ourselves as an NGO; we’re a civil movement. Citizens shouldn’t let themselves be used like this.”

In addition to the physical rescue missions, Camps has also focused on raising awareness of the refugee crisis. Through social media, public appearances, and collaborations with other humanitarian organizations, he has worked to ensure that the plight of refugees remains visible to the global public. His efforts have garnered international attention and support, but they have also sparked controversy, with some accusing NGOs like Proactiva Open Arms of encouraging illegal migration. Camps has consistently rejected these claims, arguing that his sole focus is on saving lives and that no human being should be left to die at sea.

“Our duty is to follow the conventions and the laws of the sea that protect human life. We don’t differentiate between people based on their background or circumstances – we safeguard all human life in the ocean. The sea is hostile for everyone.”

Despite the ongoing political and logistical challenges, Oscar Camps’s relentless drive to help those in need and his refusal to be deterred by bureaucratic or political obstacles have made him a symbol of compassion and determination in the face of one of the most pressing humanitarian crises of our time. Through Proactiva Open Arms, Camps continues to advocate for the rights and dignity of refugees, ensuring that their stories are heard and their lives are not lost in silence.