Anti-migrant group saved by rescuers it opposes

A BOAT carrying anti-immigration activists had to be rescued by the very people they were protesting against yesterday after they ran into difficulty in the Mediterranean.

The C-star vessel, manned by Defend Europe, reported damage to its engine on Friday morning, issuing a distress call to the Italian coastguard.

Its supporters chartered a 130ft ship to block migrants, taking on the groups that pluck refugees from sinking boats and land them safely on European soil. However, they found themselves in need of rescue by the same non-governmental organisations (NGOS).

A distress call was flagged to Seaeye, a German NGO whose vessel was nearest to C-star.

Michael Buschheuer, chairman of Sea-eye said: “To help distressed persons is the duty of everyone who is at sea – indifferent to their origin, skin colour, religion or spirit.”

Defend Europe said the vessel was experiencing “technical difficulties” but they were resolving it.