Italian authorities have ordered a 45-day administrative detention and a €7,500 fine for the Sea Watch 5 after the rescue vessel docked in Naples, accusing the German NGO of failing to cooperate with Libya's maritime rescue coordination centre.
Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi said the ship violated sea rescue regulations during an Aug. 13 operation in which six migrants, including three unaccompanied minors, were rescued in international waters. The crew notified Italy and neighbouring European states but deliberately excluded Libyan authorities. Sea Watch said its crew was threatened with a rifle by traffickers after the rescue and accused the Italian government of partnering with criminals, stating it refuses to collaborate with smugglers.
Lawmaker Angelo Bonelli called the seizure a crime against humanity, noting 1,300 drownings in the Mediterranean in the first half of 2026. Piantedosi is scheduled to meet German counterpart Alexander Dobrindt next month to discuss migration policy.