Two rescued to Siracusa, 88 others distressed

Two distressed people have been rescued to Siracusa, in Sicily area of Italy with 88 others on board Humanity 1 yet to disembark.

SOS Humanity disclosed this in a statement while condemning what it described as illegitimate practice by Italy, “which ignores the needs and rights of vulnerable people.”

The statement reads: “While 2 survivors were yesterday evacuated to #Siracusa, Sicily, after a medical emergency, the other 88 on board #Humanity1 cannot yet disembark. Despite worsening weather, Italian authorities denied the captain’s request to reconsider the assignment of the port of #Bari.”

It added: “Instead, #Humanity1 must continue to the place of safety assigned by Italy – over 1,000km from the location of the last rescue. This is contrary to maritime law, which stipulates: “Rescued persons need to be disembarked as soon as possible in a place of safety.”

Concluding, the statement said: “We condemn this illegitimate practice by Italy, which ignores the needs and rights of vulnerable people in a situation of humanitarian need. More information about the rescues and the current situation on board can be found in our rescue report.”