Italy allows 2nd aid group’s migrant rescue boat to dock

ROME (AP) — Italy has given permission for a second humanitarian aid group’s ship to disembark its passengers rescued in the Mediterranean at an Italian port. seemingly backing down from its hard line against European-flagged vessels that rescue migrants at sea. Italian authorities told the crew of the Geo Berents, chartered by French group Doctors Without Borders, to head toward Salerno, near Naples, with its 248 migrants. Earlier Friday, Italy allowed the German-flagged Louise Michel, which is funded and decorated by the street artist Banksy, to disembark its 33 passengers in Lampedusa, Sicily. The developments suggest the Italian government may be backing down from its hard line against European-flagged vessels operated by aid groups that rescue migrants in the Mediterranean Sea.