The Werra ship (Eunavfor Med) to the rescue of migrants in distress

(B2) The German support ship, Werra (A-514) engaged in the European operation to fight against traffickers in the Mediterranean (EUNAVFOR Med) intervened this Wednesday to the rescue of two ships in difficulty in the north of Libya.

233 people recovered

Early in the morning, the Italian Maritime Rescue Coordination Center (IMRCC) sounded the alert, asking the nearest vessels to intervene on two possible boats in distress in international waters, north of the Libyan coast. The German ship "Werra", which was in the area, " located two small dinghies, loaded with migrants who are navigating in difficult conditions “says a press release from the European Diplomatic Service. " 233 migrants were recovered on board ». The ship is heading for the port of Catania, defined as the port of disembarkation by the IMRCC.

This intervention is the first of its kind for one of the units of EUNAVFOR Med. Even if their mission is not dedicated to rescue at sea, European ships have the obligation " in accordance with international law (...) to render assistance to persons in distress at sea, regardless of their nationality, status and circumstances says the EEAS. The Werra, like the other EUNAVFOR MED units are moreover " ready and equipped to perform related tasks, rescued migrants ».

(NGV)