Migrant rescue boat refuses offer to dock in Spain

Monday, 19 August 2019 10:17

A charity vessel carrying more than 100 migrants has rejected an offer from Spain to dock in Algeciras, citing an "extreme" emergency on board.

The NGO that boat said it will be dangerous for the migrants, most of whom are African, to make the six days' journey to Spain.

The Open Arms boat is currently in limbo off the island of Lampedusa, following Italy's "inconceivable" refusal to allow it to dock.

Óscar Camps, the director of the Spanish-based NGO Proactiva Open Arms, has appealed directly to European leaders to resolve the crisis.

The boat has been in international waters for eight days. Among those on board are 32 children, including nine-month-old twins.

More from International

Some UK departing flights disrupted by NATS technical issue

Some departing flights at major British airports were disrupted on Tuesday after air traffic control provider NATS experienced a technical issue, with Heathrow, Gatwick, Manchester and Stansted among the airports affected by restrictions and delays.
At least 73 injured after Houthi rebels attack Saudi civilian and energy facilities

At least 73 civilians have been injured after Yemen's Houthi rebels attacked a number of civilian and energy facilities in Saudi Arabia's southern region on Tuesday, state media confirmed.
Suspect detained after sabotage attacks on Germany power grid

German police have detained a 48-year-old man suspected of carrying out a series of sabotage attacks on the country's electricity grid, police and prosecutors said on Tuesday.
Nepal rescue focused on workers trapped in three tunnels

Rescuers in Nepal are focusing on three hydropower project tunnels where they believe dozens of workers could be trapped, authorities said on Tuesday, two weeks after a devastating flood killed hundreds and left thousands missing.
Indonesia reopens Jakarta airport, four others after Anak Krakatau ash clears

Indonesia has reopened its main airport in Jakarta and four others that had been closed due to volcanic ash from a series of eruptions at Mount Anak Krakatau, transport minister Dudy Purwagandhi said in a statement on Tuesday.