Spain to welcome 60 migrants from the Aquarius

Six European countries agree to take in people on board of the stranded rescue ship

Aquarius is approaching the port of Valencia in Spain and is ready to disembark 106 rescued persons (By: Kenny Karpov/SOS MEDITERRANEE)
Aquarius is approaching the port of Valencia in Spain and is ready to disembark 106 rescued persons (By: Kenny Karpov/SOS MEDITERRANEE) / ACN

ACN | Barcelona

August 14, 2018 03:15 PM

Spain will welcome 60 migrants on board of the Aquarius rescue ship following an agreement reached between six European Union countries on Tuesday—this, despite the government’s initial reluctance to offer a safe port for the boat.

The ship will dock in Malta, as confirmed by prime minister Joseph Muscat via Twitter. "Malta will give Aquarius permission to enter its ports, despite having no legal obligation to do so."

The 141 people on board of the Aquarius will be distributed amongst France, Germany, Luxembourg, Portugal, and Spain.

Earlier on Tuesday, the Catalan government offered its ports to the stranded ship.