Italy fines and detains Sea Watch 5 for 45 days over alleged rule violations

The Italian government has imposed a 45-day detention and a 7,500 euro fine on the German-flagged Sea Watch 5 rescue vessel, citing violations of maritime law. Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi stated that the ship "once again did not respect the legal obligations" during its operations at sea.

Piantedosi emphasized on the social media platform X that sea rescue activities must be managed and coordinated by competent states, not by non-governmental organizations. This action reflects Italy's stricter stance on migrant rescue operations in the Mediterranean.

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Forty-five days of detention and a 7,500 euro fine for the Sea Watch 5. The ship, flying the German flag, once again did not respect the legal obligations provided during operations at sea. A serious violation of the regulations: rescue operations at sea must be managed and coordinated by the competent states, not by NGOs.

The NGO Sea Watch vehemently contested the accusations, also using X to declare, "We do not cooperate with criminals and traffickers. Can the Italian government say the same?" The organization was accused of failing to cooperate with Libyan authorities, a claim Sea Watch denies by framing their refusal as a stance against aiding those involved in human trafficking.

The incident highlights the ongoing tensions between European governments and humanitarian rescue organizations operating in the Mediterranean Sea, particularly concerning the handling of migrant arrivals.

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The Sea-Watch 5 has been stopped for 45 days accused of not cooperating with the Libyan authorities. It's true, we do not cooperate with criminals and traffickers. Can the Italian government say the same?