Geo Barents Rescue Vessel Fined And Detained For Failing To Share Information

Relevant Italian authorities have reportedly detained a migrant rescue vessel operated by Doctors Without Borders (MSF) for breaking a new set of government rules on life-saving missions in the Mediterranean, the charity mentioned on Friday.

The Geo Barents vessel was reportedly impounded late on Thursday for about 20 days. It will reportedly be fined between 2,000 euros and 10,000 euros; an MSF spokesman named Maurizio Debanne said.

The charity further reported that it was accused of failing to share adequate information, which includes voyage data recorder (VDR) updates regarding the position and movements of the vessel, something it mentions to have never seen before or been asked to disclose.

Debanne linked the vessel’s detention in Sicily to a new decree introduced by PM Giorgia Meloni’s government.

Meloni, the one leading the far-right Brothers of the Italy party, took office in October after giving the word to curb migrants landing in Italy.

The new decree converted into a full law by the parliament on Thursday obliges charity vessels to merely perform a rescue at a time.

Besides, critics say that it increases the risks related to deaths in the Central Mediterranean, which is one of the most perilous crossings in the whole world.

It’s downright unacceptable to be given punishments for saving lives, MSF said. He added that it was considered a legal challenge.

The fine and seizure were by a complaint lodged by the port authority based in Ancona, where Geo Barents reportedly brought 48 rescued migrants on 17 February.

Italy’s geographical position makes it a key destination for asylum seekers who sail to Europe and Rome from North Africa and has long complained about the number of arrivals.

More than 14,000 migrants have reportedly landed in Italy since the beginning of this year, per the interior ministry, up from more than 5,300 observed in the same period in 2022 and 4,300 back in 2021.

Charities rescue a minimal percentage of the ones brought ashore. Most are saved by the navy vessels or the coastguard.

But the government accuses charity vessels of acting as a pull factor and further encouraging the people traffickers.
References: Info Migrants, Digital Journal

Geo Barents Rescue Vessel Fined And Detained For Failing To Share Information appeared first on Marine Insight – The Maritime Industry Guide

Source: Maritime Shipping News