Tensions are flaring up between France and Italy over Rome's recent decision to turn away a boat carrying hundreds of migrants.
On Tuesday, French President Emmanuel Macron called the move "cynical and irresponsible."
Rome hit back, accusing Paris of hypocrisy after previous French resistance to accepting migrants rescued in the Mediterranean.
Italy has sent two boats to escort the Aquarius to Spain, which had offered to take it in to defuse the immediate crisis.