The German ship “Werra”saves migrants in danger
On August 19 in the morning, the German ship “Werra” intervened to rescue 105 migrants sailing in distress in International waters, 20 miles northbound the Libyan city of Tripoli.
The intervention was requested to EUNAVFOR MED Task Force by the Italian Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (I.M.R.C.C.) located in Rome.
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 Werra performed its duties and than sailed to the disembarkation port of Augusta, as requested by the competent I.M.R.C.C..
“EUNAVFOR Med” was launched On the 22 of June, 2015 by the Council the EU naval operation with the aim of countering the activities of human smugglers and traffickers in the Mediterranean. At the same time, the UNCLOS, SOLAS and SAR Conventions, as well as the moral sense belonging to any sailor, include the duty of saving lives at sea.
In the first two months the “EUNAVFOR Med” ships have already been involved in 5 rescue activities contributing to save the life of more than 1100 migrants.