Newsletter from June 19, 2025:
It was a shock: on June 8, our sailing ship NADIR was detained by the Italian authorities in Lampedusa for 20 days – demonstrably unlawfully.
The crew had previously evacuated 112 people from distress at sea and brought them to Lampedusa with the express permission of the Italian coastguard. The safe arrival was followed by detention, based on unfounded accusations. This is the first time we have been subjected to such arbitrary reprisals. The decree represents a significant cut in our work in the Mediterranean: Our operation has been forced to a standstill while distress calls are made daily and in some cases remain unanswered – an intolerable situation! You can read more about the NADIR’s decision in our press release.
We actually wanted to dedicate this June newsletter to our eight-year anniversary since the association was founded in 2017. However, the first-time detention of NADIR makes it clear that the political repression and criminalization of the civilian sea rescue fleet in the Mediterranean is expanding. Instead of celebrating our anniversary, we are taking this as an opportunity to join forces to support the right to freedom of movement: As when the association was founded, we still see the need to provide active emergency aid for people in distress at sea, to raise awareness of the situation on the Mediterranean refugee route and to document human rights violations.
According to the Italian authorities, the illegal detention of the NADIR is based on the Piantedosi law, an element of the Italian Meloni government’s racist migration policy, which the civilian fleet has been struggling with since 2023. This week, another vessel, the SEA-EYE 5, was detained. In full solidarity with SEA-EYE, we condemn the increasing application of the Piantedosi law as political arbitrariness!
What happens now?
We are already considering legal action. By order of the Italian authorities, the NADIR has now had to leave Lampedusa for Sicily to await arrest. Our next crew will therefore start from there. This forced change in the course of our operations alone and the associated increased mooring costs, travel expenses and the outstanding fine of between €2,000 and €10,000 mean that we are facing financial challenges.
It is not just an empty phrase when we say: We are dependent on support right now. Right now, every donation helps us to maintain our operational and political commitment against the criminalization of our work and for the survival of people on the run.
With this in mind, we would like to express our sincere thanks for all the support we have received for our humanitarian work over the past eight years. Especially now, we appreciate you staying by our side. Thank you for your support and commitment. #FREENADIR
With solidarity greetings
Nico and Merle | RESQSHIP e. V. Fundraising and public relations
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