Rome paralyzes the movement of the humanitarian ship SOS Méditerranée due to “technical and administrative problems”

Ocean Viking stay in the dock. By decision of the Italian authorities, the boat of the humanitarian NGO SOS Méditerranée has been immobilized in the port of Civitavecchia, north of Rome (Italy), when it has just disembarked 57 migrants rescued at sea. “indefinite period”And For the examination to which the ship was subjected was revealed Some minor technical and management problems.And According to a press release issued by SOS Méditerranée.

According to the NGO, one of these problems “Unfortunately requires further investigation, which involves various testimonies and shipowning stakeholders.” from the ship. For SOS Méditerranée, the Italian authorities have it “A restrictive interpretation of SOLAS, an international agreement that sets minimum safety standards for the construction, outfitting, and operation of ships.”

Lifeboat supervision indicated

An official from the Italian branch of the association specified, in a telephone interview with AFP, that the issue raised by the Italian Coast Guard was related to the number of lifeboats on board.

previous inspection onOcean Viking, implemented in 2020, mandated 14 lifeboats, a number calculated according to the number of people rescued and not the size of the crew. The NGO claims that a recent inspection by the Italian authorities concluded the need for a specialized operator on board the lifeboat, i.e. 14 people. Asked by AFP about the reasons for this freeze, the Italian Coast Guard did not immediately respond.