A migrant rescue vessel operated by the humanitarian group Sea-Watch came under fire from a Libyan patrol boat in the Mediterranean Sea, the organization said Friday, underscoring growing dangers faced by aid missions in the region.
The incident occurred overnight after the Sea-Watch 5 had rescued 66 people attempting the perilous crossing. According to the group, a Libyan Ubari 660 Corrubia Class patrol vessel ordered the crew by radio to turn north, a move that would have forced them to abandon the rescue. When the crew refused, the patrol boat approached and opened fire with live ammunition.
No injuries were reported among the crew or the rescued migrants. Sea-Watch said its team immediately issued a Mayday relay and alerted authorities, including German federal police.
The organization condemned the attack and demanded an immediate investigation by the European Union. It warned that such incidents have become increasingly frequent, pointing to a similar assault on August 24 when the rescue ship Ocean Viking was fired upon after saving 87 people in international waters.
Sea-Watch noted that the patrol boat involved was supplied to Libya in 2018 under a European-backed deal to curb irregular migration. Critics argue that this support has empowered armed groups accused of violence and abuse against migrants.
“This is a direct consequence of European policies,” said Sea-Watch spokeswoman Giorgia Linardi. “It is unacceptable that governments allow armed militias to fire on civilians.”
Humanitarian organizations have long accused Libyan authorities of mistreating migrants, citing widespread reports of discrimination, violence and exploitation.
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