In a bold move that underscores the unwavering commitment of humanitarian organizations to their lifesaving missions, the German NGO-run ship “Sea-Eye 4” has set sail from the port of Taranto, Italy, on May 14, embarking on a new chapter in its quest to rescue migrants stranded in the treacherous waters of the Mediterranean Sea.
This departure comes in the wake of a 60-day administrative seizure imposed by Italian authorities, which the organization has condemned as “the longest ever imposed on a rescue ship” under the controversial “Piantedosi decree.” This decree, enacted by the Italian government, allows for the impoundment and fining of humanitarian rescue ships that fail to immediately head to an assigned port after completing a single rescue operation.
Despite the challenges posed by the seizure and the allegations leveled against the ship’s crew for allegedly “not following instructions from the so-called Libyan coast guard,” Sea-Eye remained steadfast in its pursuit of justice. The organization appealed the measure and the charges, which were ultimately deemed groundless by a judge, although a final decision on the main judicial proceeding is still pending.
Gorden Isler, the president of Sea-Eye, condemned the seizure as a “politically motivated measure without a legal basis,” highlighting the organization’s determination to continue fulfilling its humanitarian responsibilities, even in the face of adversity. “In spite of all the difficulties created by the Italian government’s policies, we are continuing to fulfill our humanitarian responsibilities, especially thanks to the concrete support that we receive daily from private and institutional donors, as well as volunteers, ground personnel and crew members,” Isler stated.
The Sea-Eye 4’s departure comes on the heels of a significant legal victory for humanitarian organizations operating in the Mediterranean. Last month, a seven-year-long investigation into the Iuventa ship, the first migrant rescue vessel seized in 2017 by the then-interior minister Marco Minniti, culminated in the acquittal of 10 crew members who had been charged with aiding and abetting illegal immigration.
Sea-Eye recalled this milestone, underscoring the baseless nature of the allegations that rescuers were cooperating with traffickers, which Isler described as a “lie” propagated by a “criminalization campaign waged by Italian authorities.” The organization condemned the trial against the Iuventa operators as a “judicial scandal,” stating that they “had to be tried in court for the many years of duty, enshrined in international law, during which they saved human lives at sea.”
Undeterred by the challenges and obstacles placed in its path, the Sea-Eye 4’s return to the Mediterranean represents a beacon of hope for those seeking refuge from conflict, persecution, and economic hardship. Its mission is a powerful reminder of the enduring commitment to upholding international maritime law and the fundamental human right to seek asylum.
As the Sea-Eye 4 embarks on its new mission, its crew and supporters stand as a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the unwavering dedication to protecting the lives of those most vulnerable. Through their actions, they serve as a clarion call for a more compassionate and just approach to the ongoing migration crisis, one that prioritizes human dignity and the sanctity of life above all else.