Italy detains Sea Watch ship for 45 days, fines it €7,500; NGO refuses to cooperate with 'criminals'

Italy's Ministry of the Interior has detained the Sea Watch rescue vessel for 45 days and imposed a fine of 7,500 euros, escalating tensions over migrant rescue operations in the Mediterranean. The ministry cited violations of regulations as the reason for the punitive measures.

Sea Watch vehemently rejected the government's actions, with the organization stating they will not cooperate with Libyan authorities, whom they label as "criminals." This stance underscores the deep disagreement between rescue NGOs and Italian authorities regarding the handling of migrant rescues and the conditions in Libya.

The detention follows Sea Watch's operation where they rescued six individuals, including three unaccompanied minors, from distress at sea in international waters. The organization frames its actions as a humanitarian imperative, while Italian officials maintain that such rescues must adhere strictly to maritime laws and national policies.