After days of waiting, 367 migrants were transported to the coast of Sicily by Doctors Without Borders (MSF).
The ship Geo Barents, which is conducting search and rescue operations in the Mediterranean, docked in the port of Palermo late Wednesday night.
The migrants on board – according to NGO rescuers, among them 172 children – were tested for the new coronavirus before being taken to reception, identification and quarantine centers.
The mayor of Palermo, Leoluca Orlanda, went to the port to receive the immigrants, the Italian public news agency ANSA reported.
During a several-week mission, Geo Barents rescued these migrants from inflatable and wooden boats in distress. The crew has been waiting for approval since last weekend to transport them to a safe port.
The aid organization was concerned, as meteorologists predicted storms in the area southeast of Sicily and south of Calabria, but the ship received a green light from the Italian authorities.
“There are no words to express joy and relief on board,” MSF said via Twitter.
Thousands of migrants and refugees are trying to reach the shores of a European Union country, leaving often with dangerous vessels off the coast of North Africa, especially Libya. Many manage to reach Italy. Others are rescued by NGO ships. If stopped by the Libyan Coast Guard, they are driven back.
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