MSF calls on Italy to release seized rescue vessel

Detention of ship that saved hundreds of migrants and refugees in June is politically motivated, medical charity says.

Medical charity Doctors Without Borders (MSF) has urged Italian authorities to release one of its rescue ships, claiming the detention was politically motivated. MSF’s research ship, the Geo Barents, was placed under administrative detention on July 2 following an inspection in the Sicilian port of Augusta which identified 22 “deficiencies”, the charity said in a statement on Sunday. The Italian coastguard said 10 issues flagged had warranted holding the vessel because they risked the safety of the crew and any passengers.