The German organization Sea-Eye, which operates the ship, states that the emergency call from the overcrowded boat came from a sea area where Malta is responsible for conducting search and rescue work. But Maltese authorities have not responded to the call.
As the people were in acute danger and there was no other help available, Sea-Eye 4 set course for the place where the alarm came from. It took six hours to reach the boat, which leaked and took in water, according to Sea-Eye.
– Several people were in the sea without life jackets and had to be rescued straight up from the sea, it is said in a statement from the organization, which operates the rescue ship together with the organization German Doctors.
Sea-Eye 4 was on its way to the Italian island of Lampedusa on Thursday, which is the nearest safe harbor. It has not yet received information about the ship will be allowed to dock.
– There is now emergency preparedness on Sea-Eye 4. Any delay on the part of the authorities is a danger to the health and lives of the people who have been rescued, and our crew, says chairman of the board of Sea-Eye, Gorden Isler.
He accuses Malta of failing to meet its obligations and of ignoring calls from boats in distress.
(©NTB)
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