Rescue ship Aquarius loses Panamanian flag

amsterdam - Panama has withdrawn the registration of the Aquarius, the ship with which MSF and SOS Méditerranée rescue refugees on the Mediterranean. This means that the ship can no longer sail under the Panamanian flag, according to a MSF spokeswoman.

According to the aid organization, Panama granted a request from the Italian government, which had called for 'immediate action' against the ship. The Italians had lodged the claim with Panama because the ship did not return the refugees who had been admitted to their countries of origin.

The aid organizations say they are shocked by the decision of Panama. They demand that other European countries ensure that Aquarius can continue its missions, for example by issuing a new flag.