Richard Gere Pays Visit To Migrants Stuck At Sea On A Ship In The Mediterranean

Aug 12, 2019 by apost team

The Hollywood actor Richard Gere recently visited migrants who are currently stuck in the Mediterranean Sea aboard the ship the “Open Arms.” While onboard, he doled out food, spoke with the passengers, and showed everyone photos of his newborn son.

The ship carrying over 100 migrants from Libya has been stranded for more than a week, the AP reports, because of a debate that European nations just aren’t able to solve. The “Open Arms” is currently located near the coast of Lampedusa, Italy and neither Italy nor Malta will accept it into port as it waits in limbo in international waters.

Gere had contacted the Spanish organization, also called “Open Arms” to offer his assistance. He was able to board a humanitarian ship on Friday to deliver food and supplies as well as use his notoriety to draw focus upon the migration crisis that is currently ongoing. 

apost.com

He made a video asking for help and donations to the work such organizations are doing for migrants in distress.

“The most important thing for these people here is to be able to get to a free port, to get off the boat, to get on land and start a new life,” Gere said to the AP and continued, “please support us here on Open Arms and help these people, our brothers and sisters.”

The International Organization for Migration reported that 39,289 migrants entered Europe over the ocean until August 4, 2019, which is a significant decrease by 34% from the same time last year.

Gere recently had a baby boy named Alexander with his wife Alejandra Silva and was delighted to show photos of the newborn with those aboard the ship, especially young fathers.

The new family was vacationing in nearby Tuscany, reports the Daily Mail, when Gere heard about the ship. It’s the first time baby Alexander was photographed in public, as they enjoyed their family vacation in a Tuscan farmhouse.

What do you think about Richard Gere’s advocating for migrants? Let us know in the comments and be sure to tell others about his efforts!