The Spanish government was expecting ships carrying 630 migrants to arrive in the port of Valencia only in the morning of June 17 instead of 16 after bad weather forced the convoy to take a detour
The Spanish government was expecting ships carrying 630 migrants to arrive in the port of Valencia only in the morning of June 17 instead of 16 after bad weather forced the convoy to take a detour. The Italian coast guard boat leading the convoy decided to skirt Sardinia's east coast after high waves caused exhausted migrants aboard to be seasick. Spain offered safe harbour after Italy, which wants fellow European Union countries to do more, refused to do so. Malta also refused.. Men who were still on the deck of the Aquarius and exposed to the elements were dizzy and vomiting, and taken inside the ship to be treated for seasickness. Spanish Deputy Prime Minister Carmen Calvo said the arrival of the migrants will be staggered, with a few hours in between the three ships, in order to allow the best medical, psychological and legal assistance by authorities and aid groups. Authorities will examine case by case if the migrants qualify for asylum according to the country's regulations. Minors and women will be a priority, especially those who may have been trafficked or exploited in their attempts to reach Europe.
