Read Authentic Ratings for the Sea-watch-5

On May 11, the NGO Sea-Watch reported a shocking incident involving their vessel, the 'Sea-Watch 5', which was operating in international waters. While carrying 90 rescued migrants and a crew of 30, the ship came under fire from the so-called Libyan Coast Guard. Initially, one shot was fired, which escalated to a barrage of 10 to 15 rounds. Fortunately, no injuries were reported, and it remains unclear if the vessel sustained any damage. In a dramatic turn of events, the Libyan authorities issued threats to board the ship and attempted to force it into Libyan territorial waters. Sea-Watch condemned these actions, citing international maritime law that deems such acts as kidnapping. Following the distressing encounter, the crew promptly reached out for help, alerting authorities and the German Federal Police, urging European nations to intervene and put an end to this aggressive conduct. After the confrontation, 'Sea-Watch 5' resumed its mission and successfully performed further rescues in the Mediterranean Sea near Malta. Despite the emotional toll on both the crew and the migrants, the Italian authorities instructed the vessel to proceed to Brindisi, situated nearly 1,000 kilometers away, with an estimated arrival date of May 15.

On April 13, 2025, the humanitarian organization Sea-Watch took decisive action by filing a criminal complaint against the Libyan Coastguard following a serious confrontation during a rescue operation involving their vessel, 'Sea-Watch 5'. This incident occurred on the night of September 25, 2025, when the Libyan patrol boat opened fire with live ammunition at the crew engaged in a rescue mission in the Mediterranean Sea. Initially, the Libyan forces harassed the 'Sea-Watch 5', instructing it to terminate its rescue efforts. Amidst rising tensions, gunfire erupted, putting the crew and 66 rescued individuals at grave risk. The complaint has been submitted in both Hamburg and Rome, where Sea-Watch holds Germany and Italy partially accountable for the actions of the Libyan patrol. This alarming event follows a similar attack on the 'Ocean Viking', operated by the NGO SOS Méditerranée, just a month prior. The cooperative efforts between Italy, the European Union, and the Libyan Coastguard—which is primarily composed of militia personnel—have drawn harsh criticism due to ongoing reports from the United Nations detailing egregious human rights violations faced by refugees in Libya, including torture, sexual violence, and human trafficking.

In a recent development, Italian authorities have confiscated the 'Sea-Watch 5', a rescue vessel operated by the German humanitarian organization, for the second time. This latest seizure comes with a hefty fine of €10,000 and marks the ship's detention for a span of 20 days. The 'Sea-Watch 5' was engaged in a crucial mission where it successfully rescued 93 migrants stranded in the treacherous waters of the central Mediterranean. The incident unfolded after a disagreement with Italian officials regarding the port of entry designation. Following the rescue carried out on March 15, authorities directed the ship to a port located over 1,100 kilometers away. However, the captain opted for a more accessible destination, heading towards Trapani, where they safely disembarked the rescued individuals on March 18. Sea-Watch criticized the impoundment as a predictable tactic aimed at undermining civilian-led rescue efforts at sea. The organization further claimed that the Italian government is intentionally hindering operations that aim to save lives in the Mediterranean.

On March 18, the rescue vessel 'Sea-Watch 5' made its way to the port of Trapani, in direct opposition to directives issued by Italian authorities. The ship had been stationed off the coast of Sicily since March 16, with initial orders directing it to Marina di Carrara—an astonishing 1,100 kilometers away in northern Italy. The crew deemed this long journey perilous for the 93 migrants on board, who were battling seasickness, exhaustion, and serious medical conditions, including treatment requirements for fuel burns. The decision to divert was not taken lightly; permission to dock in Trapani was eventually granted, albeit in violation of the Piantedosi Decree, which governs NGO-led rescue operations in Italian waters. Over the weekend of March 14 and 15, the crew undertook a significant rescue mission, saving those in distress at sea. Among the 63 individuals already disembarked were vulnerable passengers such as a critically ill two-year-old child, 23 minors, and their families. While several individuals received immediate medical attention upon reaching land, 57 remained on the ship, highlighting the ongoing urgency of their situation, which also included a pregnant woman onboard. The humanitarian challenge of providing for these rescued individuals under appropriate clinical conditions continues to underscore the complexities surrounding maritime rescue missions.

The Court of Catania has officially lifted the 15-day administrative detention that was previously imposed on the 'Sea Watch 5', in addition to suspending the associated financial penalties. This pivotal decision enables the German NGO's vessel to resume its search and rescue activities in the central Mediterranean, as it awaits a substantive hearing set for March 2 before the First Civil Chamber. The suspension represents a significant advancement for ongoing Search and Rescue (SAR) operations in this crucial maritime zone. The initial detention came after 'Sea Watch 5' conducted a rescue operation on January 25, successfully saving 18 migrants from a small boat that was in distress within the Libyan Search and Rescue area, located in international waters. Among those rescued were two young children. Following the rescue, it was the responsibility of Italian authorities to designate a safe port, which was ultimately identified as Catania. The NGO claimed that the sanction stemmed from a failure to provide rescue coordinates to Libyan authorities, a decision influenced by Libya's ongoing human rights violations surrounding the treatment of migrants intercepted at sea. In their ruling, the judges in Catania underscored the necessity to suspend the order from the prefect, highlighting the risk of potential harsher disciplinary measures if similar allegations arise again. Coinciding with this ruling, the Palermo Court of Appeal released its own decision requiring the Italian state to provide compensation totaling €76,000, in addition to around €14,000 in legal fees, for the administrative detention of the 'Sea Watch 3' in 2019. This case originated when the vessel entered Lampedusa's port under the command of Carola Rackete, breaking through a blockade imposed by Italian authorities to facilitate the disembarkation of 42 migrants rescued at sea. Rackete was arrested, and although criminal proceedings followed, the case was eventually dismissed in 2021.

On January 31, 2026, the humanitarian vessel 'Sea-Watch 5' was detained by Italian officials in Catania, following its involvement in a critical rescue operation. The vessel faces a 15-day detention period alongside a hefty fine of €7,500. This action comes amid allegations that Sea-Watch did not establish communication with the Libyan Rescue Coordination Centre (RCC) during its rescue of 18 individuals stranded at sea in international waters on January 24. The Italian authorities' decision is rooted in the controversial 'Piantedosi' law, which mandates maritime rescuers to notify the Libyan MRCC in Tripoli when conducting rescue missions in the Libyan search and rescue area. Sea-Watch, along with numerous other organizations in the Justice Fleet alliance, declared in November 2025 their commitment to halt communications with the Libyan command center, due to the alarming pattern of violent reprisals associated with the so-called Libyan Coastguard. Over the past decade, more than 70 documented incidents of extreme violence involving Libyan actors have occurred in the Mediterranean, predominantly perpetrated by the self-styled Libyan coast guard, including attacks on rescue vessels and on individuals escaping oppression. Giulia Messmer, spokesperson for Sea-Watch, stated, 'By detaining the Sea-Watch 5, the Italian authorities are penalizing us for adhering to international law. We refuse to engage with Libyan militias that open fire on rescue ships and perpetrate violence against those fleeing persecution.' (SOS Humanity)

On September 29, the humanitarian vessel Sea-Watch 5 made its way into Pier 32 of the bustling port of Naples, where around 120 migrants were safely disembarked. Just a night prior, the ship encountered a harrowing incident when it was fired upon by a Libyan Coastguard patrol boat while conducting a rescue operation for 66 individuals adrift at sea. Fortunately, no injuries were reported during this alarming encounter. This attack marks the second instance of hostility faced by NGOs in the Mediterranean within a few weeks, highlighting the rising tide of violence against civil society operating in this critical region.

On May 8, 2025, the humanitarian vessel 'Sea-Watch 5' successfully rescued 190 individuals from two chaotic boats in the Mediterranean. This ship has been designated to head to Civitavecchia, ensuring a secure landing for those saved. Just four days prior, on the night of May 3-4, the crew aboard the 'Aurora' - another ship operated by the same organization - rescued 71 migrants, continuing their vital work in the region. The 'Sea-Watch 5' had previously assisted 109 migrants on May 1, disembarking them safely on May 3 before returning to the rescue area. On that occasion, they initially salvaged 104 migrants, which included 41 minors, from a single boat and later rescued five more individuals directly from the waters while searching for additional boats in distress. In a separate operation on May 5, the 'Ocean Viking' saved 108 more people after observing two overloaded boats in the Libyan search and rescue zone. Among the survivors was an 11-month-old infant. Many rescued individuals displayed signs of extreme exhaustion and seasickness, necessitating immediate medical care. The 'Ocean Viking' was subsequently directed to Ortona, a port located 1,296 km from the initial rescue area. For further information and visuals, refer to the detailed report at InfoMigrants.

The humanitarian vessel 'Sea Watch 5', carrying 49 migrants rescued near Malta on November 22, has encountered a significant delay in Palermo after being initially directed to the port of Ravenna. On November 25, the ship had to dock in Palermo due to emerging health concerns among some migrants aboard. Responding to the situation, the Court for Minors in Palermo mandated the disembarkation of the minors present. Subsequently, six minors—five of whom are unaccompanied—were safely taken ashore as per the Juvenile Court's order. However, the remaining migrants continue to face uncertainty as they remain on the vessel. Non-governmental organizations like Sea Watch have voiced their concerns, labeling the partial disembarkation as 'inhuman and discriminatory.' They urged for all individuals on board to be promptly allowed to disembark, emphasizing the challenging and precarious circumstances that migrants endure in such situations. The living conditions aboard 'Sea Watch 5' have sparked public debate, with migrants already fatigued from their arduous journey now facing a lack of adequate medical care and psychological support. The presence of unaccompanied minors raises alarm bells, with calls for proper protection and assistance for these vulnerable individuals. NGOs are appealing to relevant authorities for immediate intervention to ensure the safety and well-being of all migrants aboard.

On September 28, 2023, the vessel 'Sea Watch 5' made its way back to the port of Vinaròs after an impressive ten-month mission, during which it successfully rescued a total of 834 individuals. The ship embarked on its humanitarian journey from Vinaròs on November 14, 2023, marking the beginning of its vital rescue operations in treacherous waters. Throughout this period, the crew faced numerous challenges, including hostile tactics aimed at obstructing their humanitarian efforts by the Italian government. Notably, on March 9, an arbitrary administrative blockade was placed on the 'Sea Watch 5' along with other rescue vessels such as 'Sea-Eye 4' and 'Humanity I.' However, after 20 days of relentless advocacy, courts in the Italian city of Ragusa deemed these blockades illegal. Tragically, during this enforced downtime, reports indicate that at least 145 individuals perished at sea without assistance. The 'Sea Watch 5's' most recent rescue operation took place on August 31, where 289 lives were saved. Just a day after the survivors were securely disembarked, Italian authorities again imposed a sailing ban on the vessel, extending it for an additional 20 days. Following this, the 'Sea Watch 5' departed from Civitavecchia and returned to Vinaròs for essential repairs, maintenance, and resupply activities. In preparation for their arrival, local organizations have mobilized resources, creating a mobile operational base equipped to ensure the crew can continue their vital work under optimal conditions.