Migrant-rescue ship Ocean Viking impounded in Brindisi

(ANSA) - ROME, FEB 9 - The Ocean Viking, a migrant-rescue ship operated by the NGO Sos Mediterranée, has been impounded in the southern port of Brindisi, the port authority told ANSA on Friday.
    The authority said the ship, which docked in the port early on Friday with 261 migrants on board, had been impounded for 20 days for an alleged breach of the 'Piantedosi Decree' and a fine would be issued too.
    Passed at the start of 2023 and named after Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi, the decree restricts the activities of NGO-run ships.
    Under the legislation, the ships must immediately request the authorities assign them a port of safety after making a rescue and head to it, rather than staying at sea to help other people.
    Piantedosi has said the NGO ships act as a "pull" factor and encourage migrant-boat crossings. (ANSA).