Italy Confiscates Migrant Rescue Vessel Ocean Viking

Italian authorities have ordered the Ocean Viking migrant rescue vessel to be at a port close to Rome after it failed an examination, the charity owning it mentioned on Thursday.

The vessel underwent a seven-hour scrutiny on Tuesday by the coast guard at the port of Civitavecchia, north of Italy’s capital, on disembarking the 57 migrants it had successfully rescued in the Mediterranean. SOS Mediterranee mentioned that it was then put under administrative detention for an indefinite phase after some small administrative and technical problems were observed.

The coast guard, however, did not respond to AFP’s request for further information.

Francesco Creazzo, the press officer of SOS Mediterranee, said that the issue was raised by the Italian coast guard related to the number of specialized operators and lifeboats on board. The Ocean Viking has undergone seven examinations by the coast guard over the past three years, per Creazzo.

Italy’s hard-right government, which came to power in October last year, has taken several measures to restrict ship activities, particularly of the vessels operated by non-governmental organizations dedicated to rescuing migrants who are in trouble on the crossing from North Africa.

In February 2023, parliament approved a government decree that limited charity vessels to one sea rescue at a time, needing them to dock at a port assigned by authorities following every recovery.

The NGOs have to say that this amounts to compelling the vessels to ignore other kinds of emergencies on the water after a rescue and sending them to a distant port instead of the relatively closer ones.

Reference: Times of Malta, New Indian Express, Barrons

Disclaimer :
The information contained in this website is for general information purposes only. While we endeavour to keep the information up to date and correct, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability or availability with respect to the website or the information, products, services, or related graphics contained on the website for any purpose. Any reliance you place on such information is therefore strictly at your own risk.

In no event will we be liable for any loss or damage including without limitation, indirect or consequential loss or damage, or any loss or damage whatsoever arising from loss of data or profits arising out of, or in connection with, the use of this website.

Latest Shipping News You Would Like:

55 Chinese Sailors Presumed Dead After Nuclear Submarine Became Trapped Underwater, According To Sources

Posted on October 4, 2023

According to Western intelligence estimates, 55 Chinese sailors were killed when a nuclear submarine became stuck underwater, however, China denies this.

All Three Of Ukraine’s Major Black Sea Ports Have Reopened To Ships

Posted on October 4, 2023

Despite Russian threats to attack ships sailing to Ukrainian ports, all three of Ukraine’s Black Sea ports have reopened to grain exporting ships.

Four In Court Regarding A €157 million Cocaine Seizure From A Cargo Vessel

Posted on October 4, 2023

In connection with last week’s €157 million narcotics seizure off the Cork Coast, four individuals have made court appearances and have been appropriately charged.

World’s Largest Cruise Ship “Icon Of The Seas” Will Make its Debut in January 2024

Posted on October 4, 2023

The largest cruise ship in the world, the Royal Caribbean Icon of the Seas, is nearly finished at Finland’s Meyer Turku shipyard.

Remains Of US Navy Sailor Killed In The Pearl Harbor Attack Identified After 80+ Years

Posted on October 4, 2023

Officials reported this week that a US Navy man killed in the WWII attack on Pearl Harbor has been identified, over 80 years after his death.