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Op-Ed: The Sea-Watch 3 affair and her lady captain—hero or criminal?

(Photos courtesy of BlitzQuotidiano)

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These days, the front pages of European newspapers are telling the story of the Sea-Watch 3 and its captain, a 31-year-old German woman, Carola Rackete. After two weeks off the island of Lampedusa, the non-governmental organization (NGO) rescue ship, flying the Dutch flag, forced through the blockade imposed by Italian authorities, causing an accident – fortunately without injuries – with an Italian Customs patrol boat.

The Sea-Watch 3 was carrying more than 40 people from Libya who, after more than two weeks abandoned in the middle of the sea with high temperatures, were exhausted and in very poor health. On several occasions, Captain Rackete tried to convince Italian authorities of the critical condition of the passengers. However, the interior minister firmly denied the ship’s landing at Lampedusa’s seaport.

Sea-Watch 3 Captain Carola Rackete

After lengthy and inconclusive negotiations, Captain Rackete made the ultimate and desperate decision: force their way into Lampedusa, running the risk of having the ship seized and going to jail. The maneuver to avoid the patrol boat was quite dangerous, so much so that the Italian Customs officers risked being crushed against the dock. Once landed, the Sea-Watch 3 captain was arrested, while the 40 Libyan castaways were rapidly rescued and secured.

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Comments

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  • Avatar
    Dave O

    Overthrowing Qaddafi was a ridiculous mistake. He was no angel but he was no Saddam either.

  • Avatar
    Jim J

    Has anyone seen the news reports of immigrants rampaging through downtown Florence one night? This happened apx 1.5(?) years ago. Has anyone taken a look at the uptake in violent crimes in Florence (centered around Nigerian and Senagalese groups)? These are factual events, not thought inventions for political purposes. Don't take my word for it, check it out.

  • Avatar
    j-189

    I find it fascinating that the saviors of the sea never rescue and then try to reach the nearest coast.. the African coast. You can help save as many lives as possible.. just bring’em back.

  • Avatar
    Alan t

    I think the immagration issue is a serious one with a simple solution. If you feel strongly that you have a moral duty to help immigrants there should be a pathway for you to host a family. That way you can put your money where your mouth is and i can keep mine. You get to house, cloth, educate and provide health care coverage for them. And if they are convicted if a crime you get to be on the hook in civil court. If you're not willing to do this than i will assume you are just another vacuous virtue signalling dipshit.

  • Avatar
    Yankee Papa

    Paolo, I do not claim to be an expert on Italy... but from the outside, it seems that they suffer to some degree from the same problem as Italy... Too many political parties that are able to gain seats. May not be the root, but certainly complicates possible solutions. -Yankee Papa-