The migrant rescue ship Humanity 1
operated by SOS Humanity has been impounded in the port of
Crotone for allegedly breaching new rules on search and rescue
in the Central Mediterranean, the German NGO said on Tuesday.
The ship has been placed under administrative detention for 20
days in relation to the rescue on Saturday of 77 migrants and
refugees from three small boats in distress in the Strait of
Sicily on grounds the crew allegedly failed to act under the
instructions of the Libyan authorities, which Italy claims were
responsible for coordinating the operation.
For its part, SOS Humanity has said the rescue took place in
international waters and was successful despite "the violent and
illegal intervention of the so-called Libyan coast guard".
"Numerous people threw themselves into the water in panic and
the coast guard fired a shot into the water," said the NGO in a
statement.
This is the second time the Humanity 1 has been impounded in
Crotone since December, when it was accused of obstructing the
Libyan coast guard while rescuing 200 people.
Migrants and refugees intercepted or rescued by the Libyan
coastguard and returned to Libyan shore face detention and
maltreatment including torture and abuse.
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED © Copyright ANSA
