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NGO ship fined and detained for two months for heading to nearer port after rescue operation

The Italian government has levied a heavy fine and a two-month detention on the 'Mediterranea', following its decision to disobey orders and disembark migrants in Sicily instead of an assigned port over 1,000 kilometers away. The ship had rescued ten people, including three unaccompanied minors, from the Mediterranean. The Italian authorities had directed the vessel to the distant port of Genoa for the disembarkation procedure. Defending its actions, the NGO stated that the survivors were exhausted and traumatized, and that forcing them to endure a several-day journey through dangerous waves up to three meters high would have been inhumane. The NGO Mediterranea Saving Humans described the decision to dock in Trapani on Aug 23 as necessary to provide urgent medical and psychological care. In response, the Trapani Prefect issued sanctions including a 10,000-euro fine and a 60-day detention of the ship.

NGO ship detained in Trapani after rescue mission

The 'Mediterranea' was detained in Trapani under the Piantedosi Decree. After rescuing ten migrants, the ship ignored the Italian authorities' instructions regarding the disembarkation port, which should have been Genoa. On Aug 23, the 'Mediterranea' was near Pantelleria when it decided to head for Trapani to disembark the migrants. This maneuver prompted the relevant authorities to intervene and order an administrative detention. According to law enforcement authorities, this measure was necessary to ensure compliance with Italian regulations. The authorities have emphasized the importance of adhering to the guidelines for disembarkation ports established for reasons of security and public order. Humanitarian organizations criticized this measure, pointing out the risk that migrants may not receive the necessary assistance and that the situation in the Mediterranean could further deteriorate. The operator Mediterranea Saving Humans expressed its regret at the decision.

122 migrants rescued in joint operation amid stormy weather

In a joint operation with Sea-Watch, the 'Sea Eye 4' brought 122 people to safety in four rescues beween the evening of March 7 and the morning of March 9. The 'Sea Eye 5' rescued 56 people in extreme weather conditions, including a three-day-old baby. They had been on an inflatable boat for at least 12 hours and were now able to receive medical treatment. The 'Sea Eye 4' responded to a total of four emergency calls. During the rescue operations, the crew, consisting of members of Sea-Watch and Sea-Eye, took 122 people in distress on board. The ship was now on its way to Vibo Valencia after the Italian authorities assigned it the port, which is around 460 kilometers away. The rescue was carried out in a joint operation by the two organizations. On the early morning of March 10, the crew of the 'Sea Eye 5' also rescued 56 people from an inflatable boat. Among the people was a three-day-old baby. The people seeking protection had gotten into distress at sea in strong winds and high waves. Due to the difficult weather conditions, the operation lasted over two hours; at around 3:00 a.m. the crew was then able to bring everyone safely on board. A medical evacuation by the Italian Coastguard was organized for the baby, who had to be treated for an infection, and his family, to Lampedusa. The migrants had been travelling on a rubber dinghy for at least 12 hours. They were wet, seasick and dehydrated. Many were weak and exhausted.