Over the past few days, our crew has sailed the Trotamar III back to Licata. This marks the end of our first deployment this year. This deployment was very short because there was some shipyard work to be done at the start, and then bad weather kept us from heading out to the search and rescue zone. Nevertheless, we’re glad we were out on the water for a few days and would have been ready if people on the move had needed our support.

The crew was welcomed in Sicily by Katja, who is responsible for pre- and post-deployment coordination. Katja always brings flowers to welcome the crew, and there is a welcome speech. We appreciate how much time and energy the activists have put into the deployment. It’s not about celebrating ourselves as heroes or rescuers. Nevertheless, we want to acknowledge that our crew members also experience stressful situations and that sea rescue work would not be possible without them. To then redirect our attention back to the people on the move, we throw a white rose into the sea. For those who have drowned and their families, and as a symbol of resistance against fascism. This is always very moving and an emotional conclusion to our deployment.