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‘It opens your eyes to human tragedy’: on board the warship rescuing refugees ‘It opens your eyes to human tragedy’: on board the warship rescuing refugees
(6 months later)
Chugging through the central Mediterranean, its white paintwork gleaming in the late summer sun and its helicopter deck temporarily quiet, the San Giusto could pass for any other warship.Chugging through the central Mediterranean, its white paintwork gleaming in the late summer sun and its helicopter deck temporarily quiet, the San Giusto could pass for any other warship.
A prized possession of the Italian military, the 133m-long amphibious assault vessel has seen its fair share of action since entering service in 1994.A prized possession of the Italian military, the 133m-long amphibious assault vessel has seen its fair share of action since entering service in 1994.
But these days, the captain, Mario Mattesi, and his crew accomplish a very different task. Down in the belly of the ship, in a dimly-lit garage deck that reeks of sweat, is a wretched cargo that few warships have conveyed: crowded together on the floor sit 774 men, women and children, refugees from some of the world’s most hostile countries. They may not know where they are going, but they are willing to do almost anything to leave where they are from.But these days, the captain, Mario Mattesi, and his crew accomplish a very different task. Down in the belly of the ship, in a dimly-lit garage deck that reeks of sweat, is a wretched cargo that few warships have conveyed: crowded together on the floor sit 774 men, women and children, refugees from some of the world’s most hostile countries. They may not know where they are going, but they are willing to do almost anything to leave where they are from.
“It’s a big mind-shift,” says Mattesi, 47, a former naval aviator who confesses he finds it challenging to adapt to his new role on the frontline of Europe’s immigration crisis. “It opens your eyes to something you maybe thought was different. It opens your eyes to human tragedy, because that is what this is.“It’s a big mind-shift,” says Mattesi, 47, a former naval aviator who confesses he finds it challenging to adapt to his new role on the frontline of Europe’s immigration crisis. “It opens your eyes to something you maybe thought was different. It opens your eyes to human tragedy, because that is what this is.
“If you think they will risk their lives on a boat that cannot even float…” He tails off, as if words cannot do justice to the unfathomable risks involved. “It’s desperation.”“If you think they will risk their lives on a boat that cannot even float…” He tails off, as if words cannot do justice to the unfathomable risks involved. “It’s desperation.”
For the past year, the San Giusto has been taking turns as the command and control vessel in Italy’s Mare Nostrum operation, a €9m-a-month search and rescue programme aimed at preventing another disaster like the one off the coast of Lampedusa a year ago on Friday. More than 360 people died when the boat carrying them from north Africa caught fire and capsized. On Friday a commemoration ceremony will be held on the island.For the past year, the San Giusto has been taking turns as the command and control vessel in Italy’s Mare Nostrum operation, a €9m-a-month search and rescue programme aimed at preventing another disaster like the one off the coast of Lampedusa a year ago on Friday. More than 360 people died when the boat carrying them from north Africa caught fire and capsized. On Friday a commemoration ceremony will be held on the island.
Amid international expressions of grief and solidarity, a new military and humanitarian mission was unveiled by the then Italian prime minister, Enrico Letta, and begun on 18 October 2013. Mare Nostrum – a name for the Mediterranean coined by the ancient Romans and later dusted off by fascist dictator Benito Mussolini – is an attempt to make it as safe as possible for migrants and refugees to cross the sea to Europe.Amid international expressions of grief and solidarity, a new military and humanitarian mission was unveiled by the then Italian prime minister, Enrico Letta, and begun on 18 October 2013. Mare Nostrum – a name for the Mediterranean coined by the ancient Romans and later dusted off by fascist dictator Benito Mussolini – is an attempt to make it as safe as possible for migrants and refugees to cross the sea to Europe.
After a deadly summer, which international aid organisations say proves Mare Nostrum is vital, the mission’s future is uncertain and mired in political squabbling as it approaches its anniversary. The crew of the San Giusto need no convincing. “We believe,” says admiral Massimo Vianello, captain of the naval group operation, “that if it weren’t for us there would be far more disasters.”After a deadly summer, which international aid organisations say proves Mare Nostrum is vital, the mission’s future is uncertain and mired in political squabbling as it approaches its anniversary. The crew of the San Giusto need no convincing. “We believe,” says admiral Massimo Vianello, captain of the naval group operation, “that if it weren’t for us there would be far more disasters.”
Even with the flotilla in place, tragedies have occurred. The UN refugee agency estimates more than 2,500 people have died or gone missing this year trying to reach Europe through the Mediterranean.Even with the flotilla in place, tragedies have occurred. The UN refugee agency estimates more than 2,500 people have died or gone missing this year trying to reach Europe through the Mediterranean.
Those on the garage deck are the lucky ones: Eritreans, Sudanese, Gambians, Syrians, and more: a congruence of the world’s conflict zones, a cross-section of geopolitical ills, united by one wish: to get to Europe alive and well.Those on the garage deck are the lucky ones: Eritreans, Sudanese, Gambians, Syrians, and more: a congruence of the world’s conflict zones, a cross-section of geopolitical ills, united by one wish: to get to Europe alive and well.
“There is too much suffering in our nation. My family is not living well,” says Abdullah Engom, 28, from the Gambia, who has left two children at home in the hope of being able to support them properly. Accompanied by his 25-year-old brother, he travelled for weeks to Libya, where they spent a 19 months doing odd jobs to pay smugglers to take them on a boat. The journey was terrifying, he says, but eventually they were picked up by the Italian navy.“There is too much suffering in our nation. My family is not living well,” says Abdullah Engom, 28, from the Gambia, who has left two children at home in the hope of being able to support them properly. Accompanied by his 25-year-old brother, he travelled for weeks to Libya, where they spent a 19 months doing odd jobs to pay smugglers to take them on a boat. The journey was terrifying, he says, but eventually they were picked up by the Italian navy.
And now he will try to find “business” in the EU. Where? “Anywhere I can get work: Italy or Germany or England.” But it will be a steep learning curve. As the ship docked in Reggio Calabria, Engom admitted he has no idea where he is. The migrants were picked up in four separate operations by the Italian navy over three days, explained Vianello. In all, since October, more than 90,000 have been rescued, he says – making up the majority of almost 140,000 migrants who have arrived in Italy this year.And now he will try to find “business” in the EU. Where? “Anywhere I can get work: Italy or Germany or England.” But it will be a steep learning curve. As the ship docked in Reggio Calabria, Engom admitted he has no idea where he is. The migrants were picked up in four separate operations by the Italian navy over three days, explained Vianello. In all, since October, more than 90,000 have been rescued, he says – making up the majority of almost 140,000 migrants who have arrived in Italy this year.
In September, Mare Nostrum, which has rescued many pregnant women, saw its first birth. A young woman from the Gambia went into labour on board the Euro, a navy frigate.In September, Mare Nostrum, which has rescued many pregnant women, saw its first birth. A young woman from the Gambia went into labour on board the Euro, a navy frigate.
The girl, named Yambambi Yete, was taken to hospital for a checkup after the ship docked in Reggio Calabria. Mother and daughter were declared to be in good health.The girl, named Yambambi Yete, was taken to hospital for a checkup after the ship docked in Reggio Calabria. Mother and daughter were declared to be in good health.
The busiest refugee routes have proved to be from the north-western Libyan ports of Zuwarah and Gasr Garabulli, also known as Castelverde. The flow from Benghazi is increasing, he says, while the number of boats leaving from Alexandria in Egypt remains smaller but still significant.The busiest refugee routes have proved to be from the north-western Libyan ports of Zuwarah and Gasr Garabulli, also known as Castelverde. The flow from Benghazi is increasing, he says, while the number of boats leaving from Alexandria in Egypt remains smaller but still significant.
“This gives you an idea of their general condition,” says Vianello, pointing at a photograph of an overcrowded black inflatable. “This is practically sinking.” Many inflatables used by smugglers are akin to “the dinghies children play with”, he says, while slightly larger fishing boats carry up to 80 people.“This gives you an idea of their general condition,” says Vianello, pointing at a photograph of an overcrowded black inflatable. “This is practically sinking.” Many inflatables used by smugglers are akin to “the dinghies children play with”, he says, while slightly larger fishing boats carry up to 80 people.
“I’ve never seen a boat on which everyone has a lifejacket. Often none of them have one,” says Vianello. “Probably those who pay a bit more are more likely to have one.” Even in desperation, there are social divisions. While many refugees from Syria are picked up with possessions including tablets and mobile phones, those from sub-Saharan Africa are more likely to have nothing – and be hungry, says the medical staff of the San Giusto.“I’ve never seen a boat on which everyone has a lifejacket. Often none of them have one,” says Vianello. “Probably those who pay a bit more are more likely to have one.” Even in desperation, there are social divisions. While many refugees from Syria are picked up with possessions including tablets and mobile phones, those from sub-Saharan Africa are more likely to have nothing – and be hungry, says the medical staff of the San Giusto.
“The Africans in general come with nothing, only the clothes they wear on their back,” says volunteer nurse Valeria Songa, 53, from Milan. Her colleague, Dr Domenico Avenoso, has seen these divisions end in the most brutal way. An international prophylaxis specialist for Italy’s health ministry, he was on duty in July when rescuers asked him to check the situation in the hold of a fishing boat.“The Africans in general come with nothing, only the clothes they wear on their back,” says volunteer nurse Valeria Songa, 53, from Milan. Her colleague, Dr Domenico Avenoso, has seen these divisions end in the most brutal way. An international prophylaxis specialist for Italy’s health ministry, he was on duty in July when rescuers asked him to check the situation in the hold of a fishing boat.
Welcome to the world Yambambi, born on board @ItalianNavy #Marenostrum during rescue operation pic.twitter.com/x3KNbr2MLC Welcome to the world Yambambi, born on board @ItalianNavy #Marenostrum during rescue operation pic.twitter.com/x3KNbr2MLC
He saw dozens of young men, mostly black Africans, dead from asphyxiation. Reports later says those up top had closed the hatch on the men when they tried to get some air. “I still have that image in my mind,” says Avenoso. “There’s the thought that maybe if I had been quicker, I could have saved some of them.” He pauses, clearly emotional. “I didn’t know at that point if there were children in there.”He saw dozens of young men, mostly black Africans, dead from asphyxiation. Reports later says those up top had closed the hatch on the men when they tried to get some air. “I still have that image in my mind,” says Avenoso. “There’s the thought that maybe if I had been quicker, I could have saved some of them.” He pauses, clearly emotional. “I didn’t know at that point if there were children in there.”
As the San Giusto lowers its garage door on to the port, the Mediterranean chapter of these migrants’ odyssey is finally over – even if, as coaches line up to take them to reception centres, they are likely to still be far from their ideal destination.As the San Giusto lowers its garage door on to the port, the Mediterranean chapter of these migrants’ odyssey is finally over – even if, as coaches line up to take them to reception centres, they are likely to still be far from their ideal destination.
But for many more it is ongoing. Up in the control room, on a screen showing the location of all Mare Nostrum vessels, a dot shows the position of a fishing boat identified earlier in the day. A merchant ship nearby has been ordered by the Italian coastguard to investigate its conditions and the crew believe the 250-odd passengers will need rescuing.But for many more it is ongoing. Up in the control room, on a screen showing the location of all Mare Nostrum vessels, a dot shows the position of a fishing boat identified earlier in the day. A merchant ship nearby has been ordered by the Italian coastguard to investigate its conditions and the crew believe the 250-odd passengers will need rescuing.
A drone on board the San Giusto can fly overhead and send back reconnaissance images of a boat before it has been met – which helps to identify the smugglers, who later are often hard to find.A drone on board the San Giusto can fly overhead and send back reconnaissance images of a boat before it has been met – which helps to identify the smugglers, who later are often hard to find.
The control room is open 24/7. Even now, with summer over, the work rarely stops. In Rome and in Brussels the future of Mare Nostrum is up for debate, with Italy’s centre-right interior minister – under pressure from Silvio Berlusconi’s Forza Italia, Beppe Grillo’s Five Star Movement, and the xenophobic Northern League – saying that the creation of a new, EU-backed programme dubbed Frontex Plus will allow for the gradual pull-back of Italy’s nationally funded mission.The control room is open 24/7. Even now, with summer over, the work rarely stops. In Rome and in Brussels the future of Mare Nostrum is up for debate, with Italy’s centre-right interior minister – under pressure from Silvio Berlusconi’s Forza Italia, Beppe Grillo’s Five Star Movement, and the xenophobic Northern League – saying that the creation of a new, EU-backed programme dubbed Frontex Plus will allow for the gradual pull-back of Italy’s nationally funded mission.
But Brussels sees a beefed-up EU border patrol, which will complement but not replace Mare Nostrum.But Brussels sees a beefed-up EU border patrol, which will complement but not replace Mare Nostrum.
Khalid Chaouki, a centre-left MP who organised a parliamentary delegation to the San Giusto last week, says he did so “to remind all EU governments that they cannot turn the other cheek” on the migration crisis and to urge more of them to step up with financial contributions.Khalid Chaouki, a centre-left MP who organised a parliamentary delegation to the San Giusto last week, says he did so “to remind all EU governments that they cannot turn the other cheek” on the migration crisis and to urge more of them to step up with financial contributions.
“What has hit me today has been the great humility of the military, and the embarrassing absence of the other EU countries,” he says.“What has hit me today has been the great humility of the military, and the embarrassing absence of the other EU countries,” he says.
It is the people, not the politics, however, that are uppermost in the mind of Mattesi. The military man who started his career in Somalia in 1994 seems to have been profoundly moved by the humanitarian bent of his new role.It is the people, not the politics, however, that are uppermost in the mind of Mattesi. The military man who started his career in Somalia in 1994 seems to have been profoundly moved by the humanitarian bent of his new role.
There is one moment from his months in Mare Nostrum, he says, which he will cherish, regardless of what happens to the mission. “In the previous port, there was a two-year-old kid from Syria, and we asked her what she wanted to do,” he says. “And she says: ‘I wish to sleep without waking to the sound of bombs.’”There is one moment from his months in Mare Nostrum, he says, which he will cherish, regardless of what happens to the mission. “In the previous port, there was a two-year-old kid from Syria, and we asked her what she wanted to do,” he says. “And she says: ‘I wish to sleep without waking to the sound of bombs.’”