According to the aid organization Sea-Eye, people are increasingly desperate on the blocked German rescue ship „Alan Kurdi“ off Sicily. A organization tried to commit suicide, the organization said today. Another hurt himself. The Italian coast guard has therefore brought three of a total of 149 refugees to safety.
The ship is in front of the city of Palermo. Actually, people are supposed to be quarantined on a larger ship because of the coronavirus pandemic. So far, however, it is unknown when this should happen. Italy and Malta have stated that they cannot leave refugees and migrants on land because they cannot receive health care.
Another ship off Lampedusa
Head of operations Jan Ribbeck said: „People have been held on the ‚Alan Kurdi‘ for ten days and are totally desperate.“ During the deployment of the coast guard, some had indicated that they would jump into the water to reach the Italian boats. „You could hardly be reassured,“ said Ribbeck.
The Spanish rescue ship “Aita Mari” with around three dozen people is waiting for a safe harbor off the Italian island of Lampedusa.
