Migrant rescue ship docks in French port amid diplomatic rift with Italy

The French coastguard helps migrants with medical issues evacuate the humanitarian ship Ocean Viking (Vincenzo Circosta/AP)

A maritime rescue ship has docked in a southern French port carrying 230 migrants whose fates sparked a diplomatic row between France and Italy – as well as fury from far-right rivals of the French government.

The Ocean Viking disembarked its passengers at the Toulon port, where they were expected to undergo health and security checks at a military base, Var region prefect Evence Richard told reporters.