FGS ”Schleswig-Holstein“ engaged in rescue at sea
On July 22, in the morning, the Italian Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (I.M.R.C.C.) requested EUNAVFOR MED Task Force operating in the Central Mediterranean to investigate on a possible boat in distress in International waters.
The German frigate ”Schleswig-Holstein“ whilst patrolling the area, intervened in a recovery as the ship closest to the distress call position.
In accordance with the International Law, stating the obligation to render assistance to those in distress at sea without regard to their nationality, status and circumstances, the Schleswig-Holstein rescued the migrants. At the end of the rescue activity the ”Schleswig-Holstein“ recovered on board a total number of 249 migrants and the ship proceeds to the disembarkation port of Augusta, following the instructions given by the I.M.R.C.C..
On the 22 of June, 2015, the Council launched the EU naval operation against human smugglers and traffickers in the Mediterranean called “EUNAVFOR Med”, to be conducted in sequential phases, in full compliance with international law, including humanitarian, refugee law and human rights, and it is part of the EU’s comprehensive approach to migration, tackling both current symptoms and root causes such as conflict, poverty, climate change and persecution.