On the night of 22 February, we brought 41 people safely on board the SEA-EYE 4. They had been traveling on an overcrowded boat in high waves. The Italian authorities directed us to the harbor in Naples, and the crossing there took three days.
After rescuing 41 people on Saturday night, we spent almost three days together on board the SEA-EYE 4 on the way to Naples. These people risked everything to reach Europe and claim their right to freedom.
All 41 people were allowed to disembark in Naples. They survived the flight across the Mediterranean and reached European soil – in the hope of finding protection for themselves and their loved ones. But their journey remains tough: police officers, Frontex, interrogations, criminalisation – the fight against Fortress Europe is far from over. We wish them all much strength for their future journey and stand in solidarity with all those who fight for their rights and are so courageous despite all adversity.
We use the time on board to meet, inform them, and provide a touch of normality in this extraordinary situation through simple gestures of care. We inform the people about their rights and prepare them for the fight ahead. In solidarity, we stand for a Europe that treats all people equally.
A warm thank you goes to our friends from Mediterranea for their support and welcome in Naples – together we are stronger! In light of the election results in Germany, it is more important than ever to remain unambiguous: We will continue to fight for safe passage, freedom of movement for all, and a world where dignity belongs to all. Until borders no longer decide who has the right to freedom.
The crew of Sea-Eye and Sea-Watch prepares for the next departure.
