Italy to Repair Sea-Watch Plane
In a controversial move, the Italian aviation authority ENAC seized the civilian reconnaissance aircraft "Seabird 1" on Thursday. The decision has sparked international outcry, with human rights organisations and European leaders expressing concern over the impact on search and rescue operations in the Mediterranean.
The seizure of "Seabird 1" came to light following a surveillance flight by "Seabird 2" on July 29, during which German human rights commissioner Lars Castellucci witnessed the capsizing of a boat carrying migrants. The exact reasons for the seizure remain unclear, as no publicly available information confirms the incident.
It is worth noting that a Sea-Watch aircraft unrelated to "Seabird 1" was grounded by ENAV for 20 days due to alleged violations in June 2025, but this involved a different aircraft and organization.
The history and specific application of the Flussi Decree, a decree that has been instrumental in regulating migration inflows and influencing the operation of civilian rescue ships and aircraft in the Mediterranean, are not detailed in the available search results. However, it is known that the Flussi Decree expanded upon the Piantedosi Decree issued a year earlier, which allows for the seizure of civilian rescue ships.
The capsized boat, which was sighted by "Seabird 2" on July 28th, drifted helplessly at sea for four days before capsizing. During the tragic event, at least two dead children were recovered, and the crew managed to pull out survivors from the water.
The incident has highlighted the crucial role of civilian rescue organisations and aircraft in the Mediterranean. Last year, Sea-Watch aircraft conducted 151 missions and discovered 221 migrant boats in distress, with around 11,000 people on board.
The Italian government's actions have been met with strong criticism from human rights organisations, including Sea-Watch, which has documented serious human rights violations by the Italian government and incidents of Libyan militias equipped by Italy and the EU shooting at rescue workers and fleeing people.
In response to the seizure of "Seabird 1", Sea-Watch has announced that it will examine legal steps against the decision. The organisation operates three reconnaissance aircraft in the central Mediterranean, along with the Swiss organisation Humanitarian Pilots Initiative.
The capsizing incident also underscores the importance of a European search and rescue mission and safe and legal escape and migration routes. Castellucci, the German human rights commissioner, called for such measures, stating that "this dying in the Mediterranean must stop".
The tragic event also highlights the potential consequences of restricting search and rescue operations. European rescue ships could have reached the people in about three hours, but were unable to do so due to operational restrictions. A Frontex aircraft was on the scene during the capsizing and dropped a life raft, making a difference in the desperate situation.
As of August 2025, there is no publicly available information confirming the seizure or grounding of "Seabird 1" by the Italian aviation authority ENAC. The only recent related event is the grounding of a Sea-Watch aircraft by ENAV for 20 days due to alleged violations dating back to June 30, 2025, but this involved a different aircraft and organization, not "Seabird 1".
The Italian border authorities could have deployed a fast rescue boat from Lampedusa, but did not, according to Sea-Watch. This is the first time the revised Piantedosi Decree has been applied to an aircraft, raising concerns about the future of civilian rescue operations in the Mediterranean.
In light of these developments, further specialized legal or governmental sources may be required to fully understand the current practices and history related to the Flussi Decree and civilian rescue craft.
Sports events have been suspended indefinitely due to the sudden diversion of resources to the search and rescue operations in the Mediterranean. The Seabird 2 aircraft, typically used for sports surveillance and competitions, has been reallocated to support humanitarian efforts in the region.
