Tag: Italy

As about 40,000 refugees and migrants have arrived in Europe via maritime routes in 2018 to date, the International Organization for Migration and UNHCR call for a common approach to implement a predictable and responsible disembarkation mechanism that prioritizes human rights and safety first.

Italy did not allow a commercial vessel carrying an Italian flag to bring ashore rescued migrants, committing to its policy not to accept immigrants. A commercial ship rescued 66 migrants on Monday, despite the fact that Libyan patrol boats were coming to retrieve them.

The humanitarian boat 'Open Arms', which was carrying 60 migrants, docked in Barcelona on Wednesday July 4, as it was scheduled. The ship ended up in Spain after Malta and Italy had rejected it. Despite the fact that the irregular immigration has decreased, European countries are polarized in their immigration policies.

A humanitarian boat with 59 migrants on board was rescued off Libya and is now heading to Barcelona, after Italy and Malta refused to allow the ship dock in their ports. The ship Open Arms is carrying five women and four children, and will arrive in Barcelona on Wednesday, July 4.

The Dutch-flagged ship 'Lifeline' that about 230 rescued migrants on board for almost a week, finally docked in Malta on Wednesday, June 27. This development ends the dispute between Malt and Italy which refused to let the ship into one of its ports. The Maltese Prime Minister, Joseph Muscat said that the procedures for identification, to find out the migrants' asylum eligibility will start.

More than 100 migrants from the container ship 'Alexander Maersk' arrived in the southern port of Pozzallo in Sicily on Tuesday, June 26. The mayor of Pozzallo welcomed the Italian interior minister's decision to let the ship dock. An Italian doctor at the port examined the people and said that they are generally good in their health.

The containership 'Alexander Maersk' picked up 113 migrants from a boat off south Italy, on Friday June 22, Maersk Line informed during the weekend. Namely, the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre asked the vessel to to change its course on Thursday, in order to pick up the migrants on Friday morning.

After refusing to accept 226 migrants onboard a German charity rescue ship last week, Italy now seems to relent, saying on Thursday it would take them in, but would impound the vessel. The crew of the ship operated by Mission Lifeline charity had spotted migrants in two overcrowded rubber boats in international waters on 14 June.

The Italian Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport published specifications for new portable radios required under SOLAS Chapter II-2, Regulation 10.10.4 - 'Fire Fighters Communication'. This regulation aims to improve safety by securing dedicated communication systems for fire parties onboard vessels.

ICS announced its concern about the decision of the Italian Government to close its ports to migrants rescued by vessels operated by humanitarian NGOs. Except from serious implications for the safety of human life at sea, this refusal could also affect the traffic of trade throughout the Mediterranean.