“Ocean Viking” reaches Toulon: 230 migrants go ashore

For three weeks, 230 migrants waited on the “Ocean Viking” to go ashore. The sea rescue ship has now arrived in the southern French city of Toulon. Italy had refused admission.

The rescue ship “Ocean Viking” has reached Toulon in southern France with 230 migrants on board. As the French authorities announced, the ship of the aid organization SOS Méditerranée docked in the military port of Toulon. The first refugees were allowed to go ashore immediately.

Many countries ready to accept

On Thursday, four people had already been taken off board for medical reasons and taken by helicopter to Bastia on the French island of Corsica. France and Germany each want to take in a third of the 230 migrants who are still on board. There are other offers from countries such as Croatia, Bulgaria, Lithuania, Luxembourg and Norway.

The “Ocean Viking” took people on several rescue missions in the Mediterranean three weeks ago.

quarrel with Italy

Dealing with the “Ocean Viking” had caused a dispute between France and Italy. After Italy had refused to allow the ship to dock for days, France has now granted permission for Toulon to dock.

In protest, the French government suspended the planned admission of 3,500 refugees from Italy. Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin said France had “exceptionally” allowed the “Ocean Viking” to enter a French port. According to international law, Italy was responsible for accommodating the rescue ship.