The humanitarian organization SOS Mediterranee has accused Libya’s coast guard of firing on its rescue vessel during a mission in the central Mediterranean Sea. The group described the incident as one of the most violent confrontations to date between a European search-and-rescue ship and Libyan authorities.
According to the nonprofit, the Norwegian-flagged Ocean Viking, which it charters in partnership with the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, came under sustained fire on Sunday afternoon while searching for a migrant boat in distress. The organization said the attack occurred in international waters, about 40 nautical miles north of the Libyan coast, and lasted around 20 minutes.
Although no casualties were reported, SOS Mediterranee said the Ocean Viking sustained “significant damage.” The ship later resumed its course toward Italy, carrying 87 migrants it had already rescued from separate boats before the confrontation.
“We demand a full investigation into the events of yesterday afternoon and that those responsible for these life-threatening attacks be brought to justice,” said Soazic Dupuy, the group’s director of operations.
The Libyan coast guard, which receives substantial training, equipment, and funding from the European Union, has frequently come under criticism from humanitarian groups for its aggressive tactics and treatment of migrants. Rights organizations accuse the EU of indirectly enabling these actions by outsourcing migration control to Libyan authorities in an effort to curb migrant crossings into Europe.
A spokesman for the Libyan coast guard did not respond to requests for comment.
The incident underscores mounting tensions in the central Mediterranean, one of the world’s deadliest migration routes. Despite the dangers, thousands continue to attempt the crossing each year, often on overcrowded and unseaworthy boats. Humanitarian groups argue that rescue missions are vital to saving lives, while some European governments view them as encouraging further departures.
SOS Mediterranee called the attack an unacceptable threat to humanitarian operations and said it would continue its rescue efforts despite growing risks at sea.
