03.04.2020
Search and Rescue in times of Corona
Gorden is chairman of the Sea-Eye rescue organisation. The association, founded in 2015, claims to have rescued more than 12,000 people from distress at sea. The ALAN KURDI of Sea-Eye e.V. is on its way to the Libyan search and rescue zone. Shortly before the ship left, we had the chance to ask Gorden some questions:
Dear Gorden, where is your rescue ship now?
The "Alan Kurdi" is still in the port of Burriana after several weeks in the shipyard. By the way, she is in the best of company there: Right next to us is the "Sea-Watch 4", your alliance ship, and the "Open Arms", the rescue ship of a Spanish organisation.
What does the current Corona crisis mean for your missions?
The virus is currently presenting us with two major challenges. On the one hand, very specifically on board, in ship operations. We have introduced new precautionary and hygiene measures to better protect everyone on board from the corona virus. On the other hand, we have the problem that, in view of the pandemic, the subject of sea rescue has completely disappeared from the media and thus from public attention. People are now preoccupied with this new everyday life, their worries about family and friends, economic problems or career changes. This is more than understandable, but as an organisation we are dependent on donations. The pandemic is now tearing a real hole in this.
Does the declared closure of the European external borders due to Corona have, in your view, implications for civil sea rescue?
No, at least no legal consequences. After all, rescue at sea is not an ordinary border crossing. People are in a life-threatening situation in international waters. If we rescue people from drowning, the same laws and obligations apply as before the Corona crisis. It will certainly be a little more difficult politically. But here we are counting on the support of the Federal Government and the principle of the rule of law within the European Union.
Dear Gorden, thank you for your strong commitment!
