Hi David, Thank you for the questions and your engagement with Ghost Boat. It is true that Measho’s statements have not always been consistent. So, we are taking the claim that there was no satellite phone with a grain of salt. It is a potential explanation in one of the theories we are investigating.

As far as records go, we have spoken with the Italian Coast Guard and Navy and the International Organization for Migration. These are the main bodies keeping track of incidents in the Mediterranean. For the days in question in this case, there were no incidents recorded that could match the description of the Ghost Boat.

In my reporting, I have not heard of cases where refugees have had their own satellite phones. The phones are fairly expensive — costing upwards of $300. And, refugees often have limited financial resources and their movement within Libya is controlled by smugglers while they wait for departure. This does not mean that it is impossible. I just haven’t heard of it. And, the family members in this case have not mentioned one of their relatives having a satellite phone. All communication appears to have been filtered through Measho or other intermediaries working with Ibrahim.

We are looking into various digital records to investigate the theory that this group of people made it to the coast and actually left on a boat — one of our two theories at the moment. So far, we have been focusing on radar and satellite imagery. Satellite phone calls could be another potential source of information. We will look into this. But, it would also be helpful, if you are looking for ways to contribute to the investigation, if you could do some research on whether satellite phone records are public and searchable.

Thanks again for your interest and questions!