The captain, Claus-Peter Reisch [de] appeared in a Maltese court charged with commanding an improperly registered ship and was released on a 10,000-euro bail.

[citation needed] As Clupea she was equipped with winches, reel drums and an A-frame, allowing her to tow a range of fishing gear.

In 2015 Clupea was sold to the German NGO Sea-Watch, who started a civil sea rescue service for refugees and migrants in the Mediterranean.

According to the statement, the existing registration of the vessel with the Koninklijk Nederlands Watersport Verbond was only a proof of ownership, which did not make the Netherlands the flag state for the Lifeline.

[10] In January 2020, captain Claus-Peter Reisch had his conviction for entering Maltese waters 'without the necessary registration or licence' quashed and a €10,000 fine revoked.