Italy Shuts Ports To Rescue Ship With Over 600 Migrants

The MV Aquarius, a search and rescue ship run in partnership between "SOS Mediterranee" and Doctors without borders (MSF). Photo Credit: AFP

A rescue vessel carrying 629 migrants is stranded in the Mediterranean after Italy's new interior minister refused permission for it to dock.

Matteo Salvini, the leader of the far-right League party, said Malta should take in the ship, the Aquarius, but his request was rejected.

Malta says the German charity SOS Méditerranée picked up the migrants in Libyan waters, which means they fall under Italy's jurisdiction.

Italy is the main entry for migrants crossing from North Africa to Europe.





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