At Least 15 Migrants Jump Off Rescue Ship in 'Desperate' Attempt to Reach Italy

[TomSea]

At Least 15 Migrants Jump Off Rescue Ship in 'Desperate' Attempt to Reach Italy
COLLEEN BARRY and ARITZ PARRA / AP

(MILAN) — At least 15 more migrants jumped into the sea Tuesday from the Open Arms rescue ship in desperate bids to reach the shores of Italy after 19 days of being on the boat in deteriorating conditions as Italy refuses to open its ports.

Open Arms described the situation on board as “out of control” and “desperate.” After one migrant jumped ship early in the day and was rescued by the Italian coast guard, nine more launched themselves into the sea wearing orange life vests, followed by five more. All sought the southern Italian island of Lampedusa, a short distance away from the anchored ship.

A reporter with the Spanish public broadcaster TVE said the first jumper refused to return to the Open Arms and was brought to Lampedusa instead, prompting others to follow his lead. The reporter said those jumping were “desperate and going mad” after 19 days trapped on board.

Read more at: https://time.com/5656447/migrants-jump-italy/

[Fishrrman]

"Open Arms said the Italian coast guard rescued all 15 jumpers and brought them to Lampedusa, leaving 83 migrants on board in deteriorating psychological and hygienic conditions."

Wrong move, Italy.
The Italian Coast Guard should have taken them RIGHT BACK TO the "rescue ship".