According to the sea rescue organization Sea-Eye, 2023 was the deadliest of the past five years for people seeking protection at the EU’s external borders. Most recently, Sea-Eye rescued 106 boat migrants from the Mediterranean.
The sea rescue organization Sea-Eye, which operates on the Mediterranean, draws a “bitter and worrying balance sheet” for the year that is coming to an end. The organization said 2023 was the deadliest of the past five years for people seeking protection at the external borders of the European Union. In addition, it is to be feared that right-wing national parties will win the European elections and the state elections in Germany in 2024, which will make the conditions for sea rescuers even more difficult.
The aid organization sharply criticized several countries and the EU. Italy orders rescue ships to distant ports and thus ensures that the resources of the sea rescue organizations are “not used in the most effective way” to “save as many people as possible from drowning.” In addition, rescue ships, including the “Sea-Eye 4”, were arrested several times, which the organization is suing, according to the statement.
Malta is withdrawing
Furthermore, the Maltese rescue control center has completely withdrawn from coordinating sea emergencies involving fleeing people. “The Maltese search and rescue zone became a huge, life-threatening sea area for people seeking protection in small inflatable and wooden boats,” denounced the aid organization.
The agreed reform of the EU asylum policy also means a dramatic tightening. In the future, people seeking protection at the EU’s external borders should be able to be detained “solely because they are seeking protection.” Addressed to the Bundestag, it was said that the “Return Improvement Act” passed by parliament criminalized people who supported those seeking protection.
106 boat migrants rescued
Meanwhile, Sea-Eye brought 106 rescued boat migrants ashore in the southern Italian city of Brindisi. The “Sea-Eye 4” reached the port several days after picking up people in the central Mediterranean, the organization announced.
The sea rescuers rescued them on Tuesday from international waters south of the Italian island of Lampedusa. The crew became aware of two unseaworthy boats and took the people on board. There were 45 minors among the migrants – some unaccompanied.