Open Arms (watercraft)

[3] In November 2018, a joint campaign was launched by Proactive Open Arms, SOS Méditerranée and Sea-Watch, which used Open Arms, Mare Jonio and Sea-Watch 3, along with the Moonbird aircraft, to continue with the rescue of refugees in the Mediterranean.

[4] In August 2019, while the boat was off Lampedusa and prevented from entering port for a period that eventually extended to 19 days, the actor Richard Gere arranged delivery of supplies and went aboard to distribute them to the refugees.

[citation needed] In November 2020, Open Arms rescued 250 people in one week.

[6] On 5 October 2023, the ship was confiscated by Italian Authorities, after rescuing 176 people from three vessels in distress on 30 September 2023, in violation of rules demanding immediate return to port after each individual rescue.

[7] The ship began delivering food to the Gaza Strip in March 2024 via a maritime corridor negotiated by the Cypriot government.