Eighty-five migrants rescued at sea by NGO vessel Geo Barents has disembarked in the port of Taranto a week after Italy’s right-wing coalition government approved measures to fine charities who rescue migrants at sea.
According to the decree, charity ships should request a port and sail to it “without delay” after a rescue, rather than remain at sea looking for other migrant boats in distress.
Captains breaching these rules risk fines of up to 50,000 euros, and repeated violations can result in the impoundment of the vessel.