Abandoned boats recovered by people smugglers in the Mediterranean

12.3.2015

Question for written answer E-004138-15
to the Commission
Rule 130
Marine Le Pen (NI)

In its ‘FRAN Quarterly’ report for the period July-September 2014, the Frontex agency reported boats left adrift being recovered by people smugglers, after the passengers had been rescued by the Italian authorities (p.15).

1. Is it normal for boats to be abandoned at sea after the passengers have been rescued? What is the procedure?

2. How many cases were there in 2014?