Rescue Ship Mare Jonio Lands in Trapani with 69 Migrants Onboard; Fined for Humanitarian Assistance

 The vessel "Mare Jonio" operated by the NGO Mediterranea Saving Humans has docked at the port of Trapani, where 69 migrants disembarked. Among them is an entire family, including three children aged 7, 5, and just two months old. The migrants were rescued on Monday evening in the Central Mediterranean. Upon arrival in port and after disembarkation, both the ship's captain and owner were served with a fine of up to 10,000 euros and an administrative detention of the vessel for 20 days starting today.

These two measures were enacted in accordance with the Legislative Decree of January 2, 2023. The Mare Jonio faces two charges: firstly, for not following the instructions of the Rome MRCC (Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre), which, after the initial distress signal, had advised contacting the Libyan maritime rescue coordination center; secondly, for not seeking authorization from the Libyan authorities for a designated disembarkation port.

However, the NGO did not back down from the rescue operation and expressed their discontent. "What were we supposed to do for the Italian government?" said Sheila Melosu, mission leader on board. "Perhaps hand these people back to their tormentors and torturers? Commit a crime against humanity in violation of international law? I recall that Italian ship captains who obeyed orders to return rescued individuals to Libya were convicted by Italian justice, as was the case with the Asso Ventotto before the Naples Court." Laura Marmorale, President of Mediterranea Saving Humans, announced their intention to appeal: "Since this is nothing but the strict adherence to maritime and international law, as well as our ethos as free men and women, we will appeal against these unjust measures to block our ship at every level."