•Italy had previously refused to let the vessel dock at any of its ports.
•Rome had then demanded that the Mediterranean island of Malta accept the vessel instead. It refused, prompting a diplomatic rift.

Italy's deputy prime minister claimed "victory" over a decision to refuse the docking of a migrant rescue ship carrying 629 people.

The Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said Monday afternoon that his country would give "safe harbor" to the Aquarius after both Italy and Malta refused to let the ship disembark on its shores. Sanchez said the ship will instead dock in Valencia.

Matteo Salvini, leader of the right-wing Lega party and the new deputy prime minister said in a tweet that victory had been achieved.