Rescue charities say new Italian rules will cause migrant deaths

FILE PHOTO: A general view of the rescue ship Geo Barents, after Italy allowed the disembarkation of immigrant children and sick people, in the port of Catania, Italy, November 7, 2022. REUTERS/Antonio Parrinello/File Photo

ROME (Reuters) - Sea rescue charities on Thursday condemned tough anti-immigration measures recently introduced by the Italian government, saying the new rules will cause ever more deaths in the Mediterranean.

The decree, which was introduced last week, says charity ships must request a port and sail to it "without delay" after a rescue, rather than remain at sea looking for other migrant boats in distress, as it now happens.