Libyan-linked Vessels Fire on Migrant Rescue Ship in the Mediterranean
Armed vessels allegedly affiliated with Libya's coast guard reportedly opened fire on a humanitarian rescue ship after it conducted a rescue operation off the Libyan coast.
ROME: Armed vessels believed to be linked to Libya's coast guard fired upon a humanitarian rescue ship shortly after it saved approximately 90 migrants from an overcrowded wooden boat in the Mediterranean, according to the German non-governmental organization operating the vessel.
Sea-Watch stated that its ship, the Sea-Watch 5, came under attack around 0800 GMT on Monday, located about 27 miles off the Libyan coast.
The approaching vessels allegedly fired live ammunition, beginning with a single shot followed by 10 to 15 rounds and ordered the rescue ship to halt, per Sea-Watch's account.The Libyan government spokesperson in Tripoli did not respond to requests for comment concerning the incident.
The Mediterranean coastline of Libya serves as one of the primary departure points for many migrants embarking on dangerous sea crossings from North Africa, with thousands succumbing to their perilous journeys.During the time of the alleged attack, Sea-Watch reported that around 30 crew members and the rescued individuals were aboard, evoking fear among them.
In response to the imminent threat, the crew issued a mayday call and alerted Italian and German authorities, subsequently sending out a second distress call upon learning of two vessels reportedly affiliated with Libya's coast guard in proximity.An Italian coast guard spokesperson confirmed that they had received information regarding the incident.
They described it as a security matter, noting that relevant authorities and the vessel’s flag state (Germany) were informed.
The Sea-Watch 5 was situated within the search-and-rescue zone overseen by Libyan authorities when the incident transpired.Following the attack, the rescue ship was subsequently escorted out of the area and proceeded northward toward Brindisi, an Italian port designated as a place of safety, according to the coast guard.
Sea-Watch spokesperson Julia Winkler expressed concern over the safety of those on board and called upon European governments to intervene and address what she characterized as an assault by forces 'paid and legitimized' by these same governments.The European Union has reached an agreement with Libya concerning the reduction of migratory flows through the country.
Since 2015, the EU has provided Libya with over 700 million euros ($824 million) primarily allocated for strengthening border management capabilities.
Sea-Watch emphasized that tensions have persisted during rescue operations within the region, referencing similar episodes from recent years.In August 2020, SOS Mediterranee, another humanitarian group, reported an incident where Libya's coast guard fired upon the Ocean Viking, a vessel it operates, while it was engaged in searching for a distressed migrant boat in the Mediterranean.
Critics of Italy's migration policies, including numerous humanitarian organizations, have long contended that relying on cooperation with Libya—through support, training, and equipment provision for the Libyan coast guard—has led to heightened tensions between rescue organizations and exposed migrants to abuse within Libya upon interception.
This arrangement has also resulted in confrontations between Libyan patrols and NGO vessels.
Sea-Watch stated that its ship, the Sea-Watch 5, came under attack around 0800 GMT on Monday, located about 27 miles off the Libyan coast.
The approaching vessels allegedly fired live ammunition, beginning with a single shot followed by 10 to 15 rounds and ordered the rescue ship to halt, per Sea-Watch's account.The Libyan government spokesperson in Tripoli did not respond to requests for comment concerning the incident.
The Mediterranean coastline of Libya serves as one of the primary departure points for many migrants embarking on dangerous sea crossings from North Africa, with thousands succumbing to their perilous journeys.During the time of the alleged attack, Sea-Watch reported that around 30 crew members and the rescued individuals were aboard, evoking fear among them.
In response to the imminent threat, the crew issued a mayday call and alerted Italian and German authorities, subsequently sending out a second distress call upon learning of two vessels reportedly affiliated with Libya's coast guard in proximity.An Italian coast guard spokesperson confirmed that they had received information regarding the incident.
They described it as a security matter, noting that relevant authorities and the vessel’s flag state (Germany) were informed.
The Sea-Watch 5 was situated within the search-and-rescue zone overseen by Libyan authorities when the incident transpired.Following the attack, the rescue ship was subsequently escorted out of the area and proceeded northward toward Brindisi, an Italian port designated as a place of safety, according to the coast guard.
Sea-Watch spokesperson Julia Winkler expressed concern over the safety of those on board and called upon European governments to intervene and address what she characterized as an assault by forces 'paid and legitimized' by these same governments.The European Union has reached an agreement with Libya concerning the reduction of migratory flows through the country.
Since 2015, the EU has provided Libya with over 700 million euros ($824 million) primarily allocated for strengthening border management capabilities.
Sea-Watch emphasized that tensions have persisted during rescue operations within the region, referencing similar episodes from recent years.In August 2020, SOS Mediterranee, another humanitarian group, reported an incident where Libya's coast guard fired upon the Ocean Viking, a vessel it operates, while it was engaged in searching for a distressed migrant boat in the Mediterranean.
Critics of Italy's migration policies, including numerous humanitarian organizations, have long contended that relying on cooperation with Libya—through support, training, and equipment provision for the Libyan coast guard—has led to heightened tensions between rescue organizations and exposed migrants to abuse within Libya upon interception.
This arrangement has also resulted in confrontations between Libyan patrols and NGO vessels.
