Italian Ministry orders removal of  rescue equipment from ship

Italian Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport has been accused of ordering the  removal of  rescue equipment from a ship.

Seebrücke an international movement that wants safe passages and an end of the criminalisation of civil sea rescue made the allegation while describing the action as another attempt to prevent a rescue ship from carrying out life-saving work.

Seebrücke International said: “Last week, the Italian Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport ordered an inspection of the Mare Jonio. The Mare Jonio sails under the Italian flag. After 10.5 hours of inspection, the Mare Jonio was ordered to remove all rescue equipment from the ship.

“The ship was not allowed to sail until the equipment had been removed under threat of the ship’s certificate being withdrawn. This is yet another attempt to prevent a rescue ship from carrying out life-saving work.

By this action, Seebrücke International said human lives are being put at risk, adding:  “the blockade and obstruction of civilian ships must be stopped! Safe passage and freedom of movement for all people are finally needed!”