Aita Mari denounces the "constant pressure" that complicates rescue work in the Mediterranean

The rescue ship Aita Mari of the NGO Maritime Humanitarian Rescue reported on Thursday that it is under "constant pressure" from Libyan patrols, which, he said, "complicates the work of civilian ships in the central Mediterranean."

Aita Mari has been in the SAR area between Malta and Libya for the past three days, assigned by the International Maritime Organization to coordinate search and rescue operations. The ship's officials say that the "continued presence and intimidation" of Libyan patrols has "significantly conditioned" its workto monitor and be prepared to deal with potential emergencies.

In this regard, the crew explained that on Wednesday several ships from the Libyan Coast Guard surrounded the Aita Mari during rescue work. Hours later, a drone flew over the ship, carryingout "constant surveillance" of those on board.

"Events like this increase the constant pressure that complicates the work of civilian ships in the area and create an atmosphere of intimidation incompatible with fully humanitarian activity," Aita Mari said.

The ship is now heading to Syracuse because it needs to refuel in order to continue the mission, a technical scale after which the ship will return to the SAR area to "continue monitoringone of the deadliest migration routes in the world and be ready to assist any ship in danger. "