Sea Watch assigned port of La Spezia after rescuing 156 distressed people

Sea Watch International said it has been assigned  port of La Spezia by the Italian authorities after rescuing 156 distressed people.

La Spezia according to Wikipedia is the second-largest city in the Liguria region, after Genoa.

The rescue update provided by the organization reads: “Yesterday, we rescued 156 people from distress at sea. The authorities assigned us the port of La Spezia – over 1,000 km & nearly four days of travel away! We know: the port assignment is pure harassment & part of a political game to keep us away from search and rescue zones.

“And still, we are heading to La Spezia. Because we can’t let our ship get detained. Because we cannot allow people to drown because rescue ships are blocked! We are relieved that our guests are now safely on board and that those who were in critical condition are recovering. We use the next few days together on board to prepare them for their fight for their right to stay here.

“We are relieved that our guests are now safely on board and that those who were in critical condition are recovering. We use the next few days together on board to prepare them for their fight for their right to stay here.”

Sea Watch International had on July 25, 2024 announced that: “We just rescued 156 people from two wooden boats, the first rescue supported by our Aircrew. Both boats had people below deck – the engine fumes and the lack of oxygen pose an acute danger to life. Several people are currently treated in our hospital on the Sea-Watch 5.”