Italy detains sea-watch rescue vessel after Mediterranean operation

Italian authorities have detained a rescue vessel operated by the Germany-based NGO Sea-Watch after it brought dozens of migrants to safety in the central Mediterranean, the organisation said on April 7.

The group stated that its ship, “Aurora,” was held following the rescue of 44 people who had been stranded for days on an abandoned oil platform at sea. The crew transported the rescued individuals to Lampedusa, a southern Italian island that frequently serves as a first landing point for migrants crossing from North Africa, Caliber.Az reports via DW. 

Upon arrival, Italian authorities ordered the vessel’s detention under the so-called Piantedosi decree, a law introduced in 2023 that regulates NGO rescue operations in Italian waters. Officials accused Sea-Watch of failing to inform Libyan authorities about the rescue. The organization also faces a fine ranging from €2,000 to €10,000 ($2,315 to $11,572).

Sea-Watch has not indicated whether it will challenge the decision but has previously criticised the decree as an attempt to obstruct humanitarian search-and-rescue efforts in the Mediterranean.

The central Mediterranean remains one of the world’s deadliest migration routes. Many migrants attempt the crossing from North Africa in overcrowded and unseaworthy vessels. According to the International Organization for Migration, more than 900 people have been reported dead or missing along the route so far this year.

By Sabina Mammadli