Irregular migration through South Mediterranean route: actions by coast guard vessels and NGO vessels

Abstract

The article analyses the status of diff erent vessels participating in search and rescue and other maritime operations in the South Mediterranean migration route area. Th is route is used by almost 200,000 irregular migrants trying to reach European shores. In recent years, non-governmental organisations, such as Sea-Watch or MAOS, started participating in search and rescue operations alongside Italian Coast Guard vessels and EU mission vessels. Th is article analyses the different situations of irregular migration and the rights and duties of ships in search and rescue operations, outlining that the status of NGO vessels is similar to the status of passing-by merchant ships regarding the above mentioned operations. Further, the article analyses diff erent emergency situations at sea and the criteria to distinguish when the search and rescue operations should be carried out. Finally, the actions of maritime interdiction against migrant smugglers are discussed.