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.
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