Spanish government offers safe port to Catalan rescue ship carrying 87 migrants

The Spanish government has offered a safe port for the Catalan NGO Open Arms’ rescue ship carrying 87 migrants rescued off the coast of Libya. After being rejected once again by the Italian government, the vessel is now able to dock in the Andalusian port of Algesires in the south of Spain near Gibraltar.

Sources close to the Spanish administration have confirmed that they have been in contact with the rescue ship, and that the Algesires port is the “most adequate for the reception of the migrants.”

The migrants were stranded at sea close to Libya before being rescued on August 2. Italy’s far-right interior minister Matteo Salvini  mocked the predicament of the NGO vessel, wishing them a “buon viaggio” (have a safe trip) via Twitter. This meant that Open Arms had to look for alternatives, sending out the message for a safe harbour to dock at.

"Less than 24 hours after arriving at the Spanish coast, we are still without a port to disembark. After fleeing from hellish countries, risking their lives in the Mediterranean, and spending four days on board, now what? What are you doing?” the Catalan NGO said on Monday. “We are only lifeguards in a rescue boat that saves lives.”

There is still a long way to go for the ship and all those on board. Although they now have a port open to them, it still means “three more days crossing the Mediterranean.”

"It is located 590 nautical miles from where we are now, which translates into more than three days' journey from today, if we have enough food for everyone," said the NGO, which would prefer a more nearby destination like Barcelona or Valencia.

"The 87 rescued people will have taken more than a week to reach a safe harbor," Open Arms concluded with resignation. Previously, both the president of the Generalitat, Quim Torra, and the mayor of Barcelona, Ada Colau, had shown their willingness to take in the rescue ship. "Barcelona and the rest of the ports of Catalonia are waiting for you. Thank you Open Arms for your courage and for the work you do," Torra had said. "In Barcelona you will always be welcome," Colau also said, extending her hand to the NGO.