Markets versus Morals at Sea: Opportunity Costs and Rescue by Merchant Ships

"This paper examines the interaction between market dynamics and the provision of humanitarian assistance, focusing on merchant-vessel responses to SOS incidents during the Mediterranean migration crisis. Drawing on 1.1 billion ship-positions, we find that commercial vessels do respond; however, they are 90 percent less likely than equally distant NGO-operated vessels to reach those
in distress within the critical first five hours. The opportunity cost of intervening is a key determinant of this muted response." Read More