[WATCH] Sea Watch trolls Malta government video extolling migrant solidarity deal

The NGO Sea Watch, which operated the humanitarian vessel Sea Watch 3, has released a video highlighting the fact that it is being detained in port and no longer able to save lives.

Back in June, an international dispute over which country would accept migrants on board the MV Lifeline was resolved when Malta agreed to let the vessel dock in Malta.

The ship was allowed to disembark its passengers after an agreement was reached among a number of willing states for their even distribution.

The incident saw the government impound the MV Lifelife over what it said were problems with its registration and documentation. Moreover, it said that all NGO vessels would be blocked pending a more detailed investigation.

While the government has insisted that NGOs can’t be allowed to break international laws, and must allow the Libyan coast guard to do its job, humanitarian organisations and NGOs have insisted that the move is tantamount to intentionally letting people drown.

Sea Watch’s video was tweeted earlier today in response to a video published by the government last month, highlighting its success at “mobilising political willingness among EU countries to find effective solutions to the migration crisis”.

The Sea Watch 3, along with two other vessels, has been prevented from leaving Malta since 28 June

Such achievements it said prove that goodwill and dialogue can lead to effective European solutions.

Sea Watch replied with a video of its own however insisting that the Maltese government was responsible for letting people drown.

“The most effective solution Joseph Muscat and his government have found so far: Shutting down rescue operations and letting migrants drown. Somehow they forgot to mention this accomplishment in their image video. We’re more than happy to help out!”