Seebrüecke International demands assignment of a closer harbour for Humanity 1

Seebrüecke International, a rescue organization has demanded the assignment of a closer harbour for Humanity 1.

Seebrüecke International made the demand following the dangers that people are exposed to 2hen they are distressed on international waters.

A statement by Seebrüecke International to this effect reads: “During a rescue operation, the Sea-Eye 4 was able to save 52 people from distress at sea with the support of the MARE*GO. As many times before, the ship was then assigned to the distant harbour of Ravenna, which meant another 5 days at sea.

“The Humanity 1 of SOS Humanity was also assigned a distant harbour yesterday after rescuing 100 people from 2 boats. The Humanity 1 is due to travel around 1170km to Livorno, which means that disembarkation for the rescued people will be delayed by around 3 days.

“This morning, the Humanity 1 rescued 85 people from distress at sea in two additional rescues. One baby could only be recovered dead.”

Seebrüecke International said the assignment of distant harbours is systematic, adding: “The larger ships in particular continue to be assigned to harbours far away by Italy, which keeps the ships away from the operational area in the central Mediterranean for days on end. In 2023 alone, rescue ships lost more than a year – 374 days – of operating time!

“They covered an additional 150,000 kilometres, as SOS Humanity showed in an evaluation. The long journeys lasting days represent an avoidable risk and a violation of fundamental rights for the people rescued from distress at sea.

“We demand the assignment of a closer harbour for the Humanity 1 and an end to the deadly harassment! The blockade and obstruction of civilian ships must be ended. Safe passage and freedom of movement are finally needed for all people!”