Libya's Coast Guard Fires Upon Humanitarian Vessel in Mediterranean Incident
SOS Mediterranee reports Libyan coast guard attacked Norwegian-flagged Ocean Viking while searching for distressed migrants.
Cairo: Libya’s coast guard fired upon a humanitarian vessel as it searched for a migrant boat in distress in the Mediterranean Sea, according to SOS Mediterranee, which operates the Norwegian-flagged Ocean Viking.
The incident occurred approximately 40 nautical miles north of the Libyan coast and involved one of the most violent confrontations between a European rescue ship and Libya's coast guard, which receives support from the European Union.
No casualties were reported; however, the group stated that the vessel sustained significant damage.
Before being attacked, the Ocean Viking had rescued 87 people from two migrant boats, including many from war-torn Sudan.
The crew was searching for a third boat in distress when they encountered the Libyan patrol vessel.
According to Angelo Selim, the search and rescue coordinator on board, the Libyan coast guard approached them in international waters and began firing for approximately 15 to 20 minutes.
During this time, some of the shots appeared to come from automatic weapons.
The group issued a mayday after being fired upon and sought protection from an Italian navy ship but did not receive an answer.
Following the incident, SOS Mediterranee released video and photos showing Libyan coast guard members pointing weapons at the boat and firing gunshots.
Broken windows and damaged equipment are also visible in these images.
Frontex, the European Union’s border protection agency, described the incident as 'deeply concerning' and called for an immediate and thorough investigation into the events.
The group demands a full probe and that those responsible for the life-threatening attacks be brought to justice.
The incident occurred approximately 40 nautical miles north of the Libyan coast and involved one of the most violent confrontations between a European rescue ship and Libya's coast guard, which receives support from the European Union.
No casualties were reported; however, the group stated that the vessel sustained significant damage.
Before being attacked, the Ocean Viking had rescued 87 people from two migrant boats, including many from war-torn Sudan.
The crew was searching for a third boat in distress when they encountered the Libyan patrol vessel.
According to Angelo Selim, the search and rescue coordinator on board, the Libyan coast guard approached them in international waters and began firing for approximately 15 to 20 minutes.
During this time, some of the shots appeared to come from automatic weapons.
The group issued a mayday after being fired upon and sought protection from an Italian navy ship but did not receive an answer.
Following the incident, SOS Mediterranee released video and photos showing Libyan coast guard members pointing weapons at the boat and firing gunshots.
Broken windows and damaged equipment are also visible in these images.
Frontex, the European Union’s border protection agency, described the incident as 'deeply concerning' and called for an immediate and thorough investigation into the events.
The group demands a full probe and that those responsible for the life-threatening attacks be brought to justice.
