The European Commission has urged Malta and Italy to allow migrants who have been rescued at sea to disembark in their ports.

Malta is once again involved in a standoff with other EU countries after 27 migrants were rescued by a merchant ship, the Maersk Etienne, on 5 August. No country has allowed the migrants to disembark.

The vessel has been anchored at Hurd’s Bank for over three weeks.

Speaking during a media briefing on Monday, the European Commission’s spokesperson on migration urged frontline states to allow the disembarkation of migrants who were rescued at sea in recent weeks.

Apart from the Maersk Etienne case, Malta, together with a number of other countries, has refused entry to a number of NGO rescue vessels with migrants on board.

The commission spokesperson said Brussels was following the situation closely and appealed for Member States to cooperate. While Mediterranean states have a responsibility, they should not have to face this problem alone, he said.

The spokesperson added that the commission is in contact with frontline states like Malta and is trying to facilitate discussion and coordinate efforts.  

Malta has been criticised for keeping rescued migrants on vessels anchored offshore.

 

Photo: shipspotting.com