Skip to main content
NEU Senior Industrial Organiser
NGOs urge supporters to demand the Italian government releases seized rescue ships
Meanwhile, the IOM and UNHCR put pressure on Malta to bring 160 refugees detained on offshore tour ships to dry land
The Alan Kurdi rescue ship at port on the Italian island of Sicily [Sea Eye]

NGO refugee rescuers have demanded the Italian government release two charity ships the authorities seized earlier this month and to start supporting their humanitarian work.

The Alan Kurdi and the Aita Mari were detained in the Italian port of Palermo, Sicily, on May 6 and 7 respectfully for allegedly breaching maritime safety regulations.

The Alan Kurdi, operated by German charity Sea Eye, saved the lives of 150 refugees in April before it was subjected to a 12-day stand-off with the country.

A photo provided to Alarm Phone by refugees onboard one of the Captain Morgan ships showing a man in the water
The 95th Anniversary Appeal
Support the Morning Star
You have reached the free limit.
Subscribe to continue reading.
Similar stories
The crowd at Manchester Punk Festival 2024
Culture / 11 April 2025
11 April 2025
Ben Cowles speaks with IAN ‘TREE’ ROBINSON and ANDY DAVIES, two of the string pullers behind the Manchester Punk Festival, ahead of its 10th year show later this month
NATO ULTERIOR MOTIVES: (Above) Oil tanker Eagle S, pictured
Features / 10 January 2025
10 January 2025
The irrational hatred towards Russia within Western elites and their subsequent actions put the people of the EU in mortal danger, writes RAINER RUPP
RESILIENCE: (Right) Stand Up To Racism protest on October 26
Features / 31 December 2024
31 December 2024
The Morning Star sorts the good eggs from the rotten scoundrels of the year