Discover the Aita-Mari: Ratings & Maritime News

On March 15, 2026, the 'Aita Mari' undertook a vital rescue operation, saving 32 migrants who were stranded for two harrowing days in an overcrowded inflatable boat in the central Mediterranean. Among those rescued were nine minors, ranging from ages two to 17, and a pregnant woman who was eight months along. These individuals originated from various nations, including Cameroon, Eritrea, Mali, Burkina Faso, Nigeria, Ghana, Somalia, and the Ivory Coast, as reported by the NGO Salvamento Marítimo Humanitario (SMH), which operates the vessel. The medical crew aboard the 'Aita Mari' performed an immediate health assessment on the survivors, who exhibited signs of exhaustion, dehydration, prolonged exposure to frigid temperatures, and minor injuries linked to their perilous journey and cramped conditions on the boat. While some individuals required basic medical care, fortunately, all 32 migrants were deemed out of immediate danger. The ship plans to dock at the designated port of Vibo Valentia, with an expected arrival time of March 17 at noon. The 'Aita Mari' had departed from Valencia on March 11, highlighting its ongoing commitment to aiding vulnerable populations in distress.

On December 19, 2023, the humanitarian vessel 'Aita Mari' successfully rescued 56 individuals in the central Mediterranean, including seven young children. Among those saved was a two-month-old infant who required urgent medical attention for severe malnutrition and dehydration, prompting an emergency evacuation alongside their parents. While these rescues were underway, the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) in Rome issued an SAR NAVTEX alert concerning a fishing boat carrying 50 migrants that had departed from Tunisia, located in an unidentified region. The 'Aita Mari' promptly acknowledged the alert and extended its support for search and rescue operations. After coordinating with Italian authorities, the ship was directed to proceed to the port of Brindisi, approximately two days away, to safely disembark the rescued individuals. The NGO operating the 'Aita Mari' has vocally criticized the practice of assigning ports that are distant from rescue zones, arguing that such policies diminish the efficiency of rescue efforts in the Mediterranean Sea.

On December 1 at 6:32 a.m., the NGO vessel 'Aita Mari', operated by Humanitarian Maritime Rescue (SMH), successfully rescued 26 migrants in the central Mediterranean. This operation took place approximately 40 miles south of Lampedusa. The group included ten adults, consisting of three women—one of whom was a mother and another who was pregnant—and seven men, alongside one infant and 15 minors hailing from Somalia, Eritrea, and Sudan. All rescued individuals are currently receiving vital humanitarian aid from the crew aboard the 'Aita Mari'. The rescue mission was further supported by the search and rescue (SAR) boat 'Louise Michel', which assisted in coordinating the efforts in the area. After the successful rescue, Italian authorities designated Civitavecchia as the appropriate port for disembarkation, which is approximately three days sailing distance from the current position of the 'Aita Mari'.

In a significant judicial victory for humanitarian efforts, the Valencia Economic and Administrative Jury (TEAV) has overturned a fee assessment levied by the Valencian Government against the non-governmental organization, Salvamento Marítimo Humanitario (SMH). The TEAV has affirmed the NGO's exemption from such charges due to its vital humanitarian mission, in compliance with existing legal provisions. The ruling nullifies previous port fee assessments totaling €80,000 issued by the Port Authority of the Valencian Government. This amount initially included €63,000, along with an additional claim of €13,000. The SMH clarified that these fees were assessed between July and August 2024 for the 'Aita Mari', which has been stationed at the ports of Burriana and Vinaròs over the last three years. Notably, the Generalitat, or Catalan Government, had refrained from imposing such assessments since 2016, recognizing that vessels operated by legally established, non-profit humanitarian organizations are exempt from these charges when they must anchor in public port areas for operational purposes.