More clarity for rescue ships full of migrants off the Italian coast

More clarity has arrived for ships with migrants who have been lying off the Italian coast for days. One of the ships is now sailing to the French island of Corsica after an official disapproval with over 200 migrants on board.

Two other rescue ships carrying dozens of migrants were cleared to disembark all passengers after passengers in need were already allowed to leave the ships this weekend, Italian broadcaster La7 reported.

Italy’s new right-wing government refuses to welcome refugees and says that humanitarian organizations that help migrants from the Mediterranean should knock on the door of the country whose ship flies the flag. Humanitarian organizations define the new policy as illegal and inhumane.

It is unclear whether France will allow migrants. “After the silence of Italy, we ask the French maritime authorities to allow the 234 survivors on the Ocean Viking,” said the humanitarian organization SOS Mediterranée. Many of the migrants on their boats have been at sea for 18 days. The ship will reach Corsica on Thursday.

Passengers with vulnerable health were allowed to go ashore last weekend in Sicily. The Italian cabinet led by Georgia Meloni only wants to welcome migrants with health problems.