We asked on Monday how did the iSea app, a non functioning app, end up on the Cannes Lions shortlist. Later that night we wondered how the hell it won a Bronze Lion. That same evening the app was pulled from iTunes. The supposed client even denied involvement in the production of the the app and sent this statement to The Register, pointing out the issue I was concerned about - if MOAS has drones scanning the sea why are they using satellite images? That's wasting time. So is adding humans to the equation when there's image recognition software.
"The Migrant Offshore Aid Network did not develop the app with Grey for Good nor do we feel that there (are) any advantages to having the public scan old sat images for potential disasters that in reality unfold in seconds. MOAS has performed life and death rescues in real time using two ships, commercial drones and Search and Rescue Crews in the Central Mediterranean since 2014. The majority of our rescues are coordinated in real time from the Rome Rescue Coordination Center in which MOAS often takes the lead. Saving lives is a serious business, with serious consequences for not maintaining the highest standards of professionalism. All we can say on the developers' behalf is that the App probably sounded interesting in concept form but failed miserably in execution. We were asked to support the launch of the app in concept only. So we were included in a press release"
