Open Arms migrant rescue ship within sight of land but still denied a port

World / 15 August 2019

An Italian court overturned Salvini's ‘security decree,’ which prevented the civil fleet from entering the country's waters

Migrants on board the Open Arms see Lampedusa's coastline ahead

Ben Cowles

Web Editor

Recent

Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi attends the 17th annual BRICS summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, July 7, 2025

Iran / 22 August 2025

Iran speaks with European nations over its nuclear programme

22 August 2025

Sudan / 22 August 2025

Drone attack destroys UN aid convoy in Sudan's famine hit Darfur

22 August 2025

Brazil / 22 August 2025

Brazilian police accuse Bolsonaro of millions in money laundering

22 August 2025

Colombia / 22 August 2025

Car bomb and attack on helicopter in Colombia kills at least 17

22 August 2025

Thailand / 22 August 2025

Former Thai PM cleared of royal defamation charge

22 August 2025

World / 22 August 2025

World in brief: August 22, 2025

22 August 2025

Book your advertising in print and online

AN NGO rescue ship with 147 migrants on board is finally within sight of land today, following an Italian court’s decision to suspend far-right Interior Minister Matteo Salvini’s ban on the civil fleet.

Two weeks ago the Open Arms — a ship operated by the Spanish charity of the same name — pulled 123 people fleeing Libya’s conflict and ensuing humanitarian nightmare from overcrowded dinghies in the central Mediterranean.

Giorno 14.
Vediamo terra. Lampedusa.
Il decreto è stato sospeso, siamo in Italia. Continuiamo a non avere un porto, ma la fine di questo incubo è più vicina.
L'umanità prevarrà su questa follia.#unportosicurosubito pic.twitter.com/feS73KaeIq
— Open Arms IT (@openarms_it) August 15, 2019

To cut it short and simple: We are here and we will fight – freedom of movement is everybody's right.
Solidarity with @openarms_fund, @SOSMedIntl / @MSF_Sea and with the over 500 people who have to endure on their ships! pic.twitter.com/cF5nH5xz74
— Sea-Watch International (@seawatch_intl) August 15, 2019

Welcome to #Lampedusa, @openarms_fund! The #OpenArms is with 147 #migrants on board near the Italian island. Let them land, let them finally get some rest after their awful odyssey! #safepassage pic.twitter.com/f0qQZBgiXg
— Alarm Phone (@alarm_phone) August 15, 2019

Support the Morning Star

You have reached the free limit.

Subscribe to continue reading.

Become a subscriber

More from this author

Men’s Rugby League / 12 August 2025

‘Your time is up,’ Red Devils fans tell club’s owners

12 August 2025

Fan group The 1873 issues scathing response to owners’ statement saying the club will not close

Policing / 7 August 2025

Concerns raised over police plans to use controversial DNA tagging spray at League Two matches in Cheshire

7 August 2025

People inspect the damage at the Sheikh Radwan al-Taba UNRWA clinic following an Israeli army bombardment in Gaza City, August 6, 2025

Gaza / 6 August 2025

Top UN official warns of ‘catastrophic consequences’ if Israel occupies rest of Gaza

6 August 2025

Israeli media awash with leaks and rumours of Netanyahu’s plans to seize Gaza. Meanwhile, the unrelenting siege of Gaza continues unabated

Demonstrators carrying Palestinian flags look on as the Ship to Gaza boat 'Handala' arrives at the port of Malmö, Sweden, May 8, 2024

Middle East / 29 July 2025

Former president of Amazon Labour Union Chris Smalls beaten by Israeli soldiers

29 July 2025

Mr Smalls and 13 other Freedom Flotilla Coalition activists who tried to break Israel’s illegal blockade of Gaza aboard the Handala ship remain in detention and on hunger strike