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

At least 14 killed in explosion at weapons depot in Syria

At least 14 people were killed and 11 wounded on Wednesday in an explosion at a temporary site used to store weapons and remnants of war near the Syrian city of Sarmada in Idlib province, state television reported.
US hits five Iranian oil tankers after attack on Navy ships

The United States has destroyed five Iranian oil carriers on Tuesday after the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) targeted its navy warship with ballistic missiles "twice over the past two days".
UK gives air traffic provider a week to probe outage that halted flights

Britain's NATS air traffic control provider has a week to investigate the systems failure that halted flights and stranded hundreds of thousands of passengers, the government said, as pressure mounts on its chief executive.
Serbia's President Vucic dissolves parliament, calls snap elections

Serbia's President Aleksandar Vucic on Wednesday dissolved parliament and announced snap elections for next month as he seeks to extend his hold on power by running for prime minister.
With large crowds attending, Norway lays King Harald to rest

Norway's King Harald Vwas being laid to rest on Wednesday, in a series of ceremonies marking the culmination of 13 days of national mourning following his death at the age of 89.

The Business Breakfast
6:00am - 10:00am

The Business Breakfast is the day’s must listen for the UAE’s business leaders, and those who aspire to be.
The Agenda
10:00am - 1:00pm

Broadcasting every weekday, Georgia Tolley goes beyond the headlines to speak to government ministers, decision makers, analysts and local experts to find out how the news will impact those of us living in the UAE.

UAE President Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan’s visit to the USA
UAE President Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan’s visit to the US to boost economic and technology ties including AI.
New iPhone Launch - Too Soon For Apple?
Apple Inc. shares fell Monday after a closely followed analyst warned that demand for the firm’s new iPhone 16 Pro model has been lower than expected. Is this a sign that the AI software just isn’t ready?
Working From Home or Hardly Working?
Does working from home kill productivity or can it benefit staff by giving them more flexibility and a better work/life balance?

Is There Sufficient House Supply In UAE
Dubai’s current population is more than double compared to almost twenty years ago, which now stands at 3.7 million. Lots of families are also moving to the UAE now. So what does it mean for the property market?
Noon's First Female Delivery Driver
Glory Ehirim Nkiruka is Noon’s first ever female delivery driver. In her first ever interview, she explained why she loves her job, despite the heat!