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<p>The British Government recognises the contribution non-governmental organisations
(NGOs) make towards search and rescue in the Mediterranean. We do not provide direct
support to these organisations. The UK has a strong record on Mediterranean Search
and Rescue: between May 2015 and July 2018, UK naval assets rescued over 31,000 people
through our contributions to EU operations SOPHIA and Frontex. The British Government's
understanding is that the M.V. Aquarius, following the withdrawal of its flagged status
by the Gibraltar Maritime Authority on safety grounds, was subsequently registered
under the Panama flag. However, the Panamanian Maritime Authority revoked its registration
in September. It is not for the British Government to intervene in Panama's decision.
The UK has not received a request from the owners of the Aquarius or its most recent
operators, the NGOs SOS Méditerranée and Médicins Sans Frontières, for re-registration
under a British flag. Should we receive such a request, the application would be considered
according to the usual procedures.</p>
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