France to allow Ocean Viking migrant rescue ship to dock, will welcome about a third, Germany another third and the rest EU.

France has said it will allow the Ocean Viking rescue ship carrying more than 200 migrants and refugees rescued in the Mediterranean to dock at the southern port of Toulon, following tense exchanges with Italy over the vessel’s fate.

Gerald Darmanin, France’s interior minister, said on Thursday that the Italian government’s ban on the boat was “incomprehensible” and “selfish”.

“In this context, France decided on an exceptional basis to make up for the Italian government’s unacceptable behaviour and to invite the ship to come to the military port of Toulon,” Darmanin told a news conference.

The NGO boat is carrying 234 people on board, including 57 children. France will welcome about a third, Germany another third and the rest will be taken in by other European Union countries.