Originally posted by the Voice of America. Voice of America content is produced by the Voice of America, a United States federal government-sponsored entity, and is in the public domain. Italy Seizes Migrant Ship Stranded at Sea VOA News More than 80 migrants on board a Spanish charity rescue ship exploded with joy at the news that Italy is seizing the boat, allowing them to get off on the island of Lampedusa. The Open Arms rescue ship has been at sea for 19 days, spending much of that time anchored in the Mediterranean within sight of the Italian island. Italy's hard-line interior minister Matteo Salvini had refused to let the ship dock. Some of the migrants -- desperate and said to be suicidal amid the crowded and deteriorating conditions -- began jumping into the sea to try to get to shore. .