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.

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