15/10/2019 (Agence Europe) – On Tuesday 15 October, the European Commission began coordinating the landing operation for the 176 migrants rescued and brought back to Italy by the Ocean Viking ship by the NGOs SOS Méditerranée and Doctors Without Borders. The Commission received a “request” to this effect on Monday evening, 14 October, said Natasha Bertaud, the institution's spokesperson, referring to the first “constructive contacts” with Member States. At the beginning of October, about ten Member States had expressed their readiness to be present during the relocation operations of rescued migrants (see EUROPE 12344/6). The 176 migrants were rescued over the weekend on two separate missions, one of which was off the coast of Tunisia. The Italian authorities have authorised the vessel to disembark in the port of Taranto. (SP)