Malta blocks migrant search and rescue plane

VALLETTA - The sea rescue NGO Sea Watch said on Wednesday that its aircraft had been blocked from flying by Maltese authorities, a fact that the Maltese government has confirmed, according to local media reports.

The aircraft is operated by Sea Watch and the Swiss HPI (Humanitarian Pilots Initiative) and is supported by the Evangelische Kirche in Germany. It is used to carry out reconnaissance in the Mediterranean, in support of the NGO's search and rescue vessels.

"From now on, no search flights in the search area north of the Libyan coast are possible," Sea Watch said, adding that the aircraft had been involved in the rescue of 20,000 people.

The Cirrus SR22 single-engine aircraft is equipped with special safety systems and is suited for use over the open sea.

"The political leaders should be clear what this flight ban means: the people on the boats are not saved, but drown unseen," said pilot and HPI founder Fabio Zgraggen. "Around 1,000 people would have died last year had we not found them at the last second and informed the authorities. Since civilian rescuers are no longer allowed to help, we are witnessing a massive increase in casualties."

The Maltese government has blocked NGO vessels from entering or leaving Maltese ports, saying the country need to investigate the manner of their operations after the migrant rescue ship MV Lifeline was found without necessary registrations.

Its captain was charged in court in Malta with sailing into Maltese waters without the necessary registration and license.

Moreover, Maltese Prime Minister Joseph Muscat has insisted that with the EU investing millions in training the Libyan Coast Guard, they needed to be allowed to do their job.

Muscat's message has been endorsed by European Council President Donald Tusk who this week told the European Parliament that the council supported Malta's decision.