Das Meer der Tränen

"Letting people drown knowingly – is that supposed to be in line with our European values?" Southern Mediterranean, June 2018. 235 people are at risk of drowning in open water – their much too small inflatable boat has sprung a leak and has been losing air for hours. Claus-Peter Reisch, captain of the ship Lifeline, acts immediately and saves the desperate refugees' lives with his crew. However, his ship is denied landing everywhere. No European state wants to take in the asylum seekers. Only after five long days, during which Europe once again debates responsibilities, is Reisch finally allowed to dock in Malta. He is arrested, put on trial, and convicted. This only strengthens the independent merchant and volunteer rescue worker's resolve to advocate for the rights of the vulnerable. A moving, stirring, and important book. A book that denounces Europe's and politics' failures, gives a voice to both rescuers and those rescued, and makes it clear: True humanity knows no national borders. With a foreword by Udo Lindenberg.