Celebrations as Migrants Prepare to Leave Rescue Ship Off Italy's Coast

The migrants stranded on board a rescue ship operated by Open Arms off the coast of Italy for almost three weeks were allowed to disembark in Lampedusa on August 20.

According to local reports, an Italian prosecutor ordered the ship be seized and the almost 100 migrants who had been rescued off the coast of Libya be allowed to disembark.

This footage shows people cheering and hugging after the news broke in the south Mediterranean. The ship reportedly docked in Lampedusa’s harbor late on Tuesday night.

The founder of Open Arms, Oscar Camps, said on Twitter that the ship would be temporarily seized, but that it was a necessary cost to ensure the welfare of the people on board.

The Open Arms rescue vessel had been embroiled in a stand-off with Italian authorities since earlier this month when it sought permission to dock.

Earlier on Tuesday, several people had to be rescued after jumping from the rescue ship. Credit: Open Arms via Storyful