Malta gives rescue ship haven

Humanitarian boat had been stuck at sea for six days

VALLETTA, Malta — A humanitarian rescue ship stuck at sea for six days was granted safe haven in Malta and the more than 200 migrants onboard will be distributed among eight European Union states, Malta’s prime minister announced Wednesday, ending Europe’s second impasse in recent weeks over the fate of people saved at sea amid rising political resistance to their welcome.

Joseph Muscat said that once in port, the Lifeline Mission ship will be impounded and the crew placed under investigation for allegedly operating illegally — including violating rescue protocols and operating without the correct registration. The migrants, who were rescued off Libya’s coast, will be vetted to determine if they are eligible for political asylum or if they are economic migrants to be sent back to their countries of origin.

Muscat said Malta had no legal obligation to act since the rescue happened in Libyan waters, but said it was willing to act “before the situation escalates to a humanitarian crisis.” The ship was expected to arrive early Wednesday evening, weather conditions permitting.

The eight countries to accept vetted migrants from the ship are France, Italy, Luxembourg, Portugal, Ireland, the Netherlands, Belgium and Malta itself. It was unclear how many each would take.

Earlier this month, Italy and Malta both refused port to a French humanitarian ship, forcing some 630 migrants to travel to Spain.

Lifeline said that some migrants were in fragile health.