FGS “Schleswig-Holstein”: rescue at sea
On July 31, 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 intervene in possible boats in distress in International waters.
The German frigate “Schleswig-Holstein”, in activity at sea around 100 nautical miles away from the scene, received instructions to approach the distressed vessels position in order to investigate and take the required actions.
Two wooden boats and two rubber dinghies were located sailing in poor conditions loaded with migrants. In accordance with the International Law, stating the obligation to render assistance to those in distress at sea, the Schleswig-Holstein, together with two ships belonging to Italian Coast Guard, rescued the migrants. During the activity 435 migrants were recovered, unfortunately 2 dead male bodies were found on board the migrant’s vessels. The ship, following Italian Maritime Rescue Coordination Center instructions, will sail to Cagliari harbor for migrants disembarkation.
Launched by the EU Council on the 22 of June, 2015, with the purpose of disrupting the business model of human smugglers and traffickers in the Mediterranean, “EUNAVFOR Med” has recently achieved its full operational capability and is conducting the first phase of the mission which consists of gathering the necessary information.