The far-right party Vox has lodged a complaint with the Maritime Captaincy in Tenerife, requesting an inspection of the Open Arms vessel, which was docked at the Santa Cruz de Tenerife harbour. They deem it to be of “high risk” both for receiving visitors and for participating in migrant rescues.
The vessel set sail this Tuesday from the Tenerife port heading for waters near the Canary Islands. Following the signing of a collaboration agreement with the Canary Islands government, the organisation has launched its first mission along the migratory route to “highlight” the humanitarian situation in one of the deadliest routes to Europe. Its next stop is planned to be in the south of El Hierro island, as confirmed by Óscar Camps, president of the organisation, to elDiario.es.
In his statement, Vox spokesperson in the Canary Parliament, Nicasio Galván, argues that the rescue of migrants is “an unlawful action, as they wait to assist foreign nationals to enter Spain illegally.” “It is also unlawful,” he elaborates, “to cooperate in any manner with their transit, transport, or disembarkation.” It is important to note that individuals migrating have not committed any crime by simply emigrating; thus, the correct term would be irregular rather than illegal. Furthermore, international laws mandate the rescue of vessels in distress. Providing assistance in emergencies is not a crime, as Vox insists; in fact, the crime lies in the omission of rescue.
Regarding the visit of the Open Arms vessel to the Canary Islands, Vox leader Santiago Abascal called on August 28 for its confiscation and sinking, referring to it as a “slave ship.” Consequently, Canary Islands President Fernando Clavijo stated aboard the Open Arms vessel that Abascal is an “authentic fascist.” However, it is worth remembering that his party, the Canary Coalition, of which Clavijo is the secretary-general, has formed agreements with Vox in at least three Canary Island municipalities.
In their letter to the Maritime Captaincy of Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Vox Canarias demands verification of adherence to all technical conditions and obligations, safety requirements, and pollution prevention measures, as well as the necessary licences and authorisations for the two planned activities by the NGO during its stay in the Canary Islands.
Should deficiencies, absences, or violations be found, they request that the vessel be ordered to cease operations and suspend its services and navigations for both activities or solely for the search and rescue of migrants.
Regarding the awareness activity planned by Open Arms during its stay in the Canary Islands to raise consciousness about the migratory crisis, Vox contends that “there are dozens, hundreds, or thousands of local residents from the island and across all the Canary Islands who may suffer the consequences of the vessel’s condition or, in this case, participate in an activity lacking legal coverage.”
Vox reiterates its message of concern, asserting that this vessel is “high risk” due to both its age, over 12 years, and its “history.” They further add that it is not known whether the Spanish government has authorised the NGO to conduct rescues in the Atlantic “or in any other sea.”
