Two aid groups operating a rescue ship in the Mediterranean have strongly condemned a decision by Italy to order its seizure, rejecting an accusation that the vessel was being used to illegally dump toxic waste at ports in southern Italy.
Italian magistrates on Tuesday ordered the Aquarius, which is chartered by Doctors Without Borders (MSF) and the SOS Mediterranee groups, to be impounded.
The vessel, which has saved thousands of migrants since 2016, is currently docked in the French port of Marseille.
According to Italian media, Aquarius was suspected of passing off 24 tonnes of potentially toxic waste as ordinary waste – an accusation denied by the groups.
"SOS Mediterranee categorically refuses any accusation of being involved in illegal activities," the group said in a statement.
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