The Libyan coast guard fired upon a European humanitarian vessel, the Ocean Viking, while it was conducting a search and rescue operation for migrants and refugees in the Mediterranean Sea, SOS Mediterranee reported. The attack occurred roughly 40 nautical miles (74 km) north of Libya, but no casualties were reported. The vessel, however, sustained significant damage.
The Ocean Viking, a Norwegian-flagged ship operated by SOS Mediterranee in partnership with the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, had already rescued 87 people from two separate boats, many fleeing war-torn Sudan, before the attack. While searching for a third boat in distress, the rescue team was approached by the Libyan coast guard in international waters.
Angelo Selim, the search-and-rescue coordinator on board, described the terrifying incident to Al Jazeera. “When they were very close, they started shooting for 15 to 20 minutes. At first, I didn’t understand the noise, but when windows exploded near my head, we all got on the floor,” he said. Some shots appeared to come from automatic weapons. Non-essential crew members and migrants were instructed to stay in the safety room while Selim and the captain remained on the bridge.
In video footage and photographs released by SOS Mediterranee, two men can be seen pointing weapons at the Ocean Viking, and gunfire can be heard while broken windows and damaged equipment are visible. According to Selim, the Libyan coast guard radioed a warning in Arabic: “If you don’t leave the area, we will come and kill you all.”
The patrol boat involved in the attack was a 2023 gift from Italy to the Libyan coast guard as part of the European Union’s border management program. The EU has trained, equipped, and funded the Libyan coast guard, a partnership that has faced growing criticism for endangering migrants.
“This incident was not only outrageous and unacceptable,” SOS Mediterranee said. “The Libyan Coast Guard has a long history of reckless behaviour that endangers people at sea, flagrantly violates human rights, and shows total disregard for international maritime law.” Frontex, the EU border protection agency, described the attack as “deeply concerning” and urged a thorough investigation.
Maritime disasters in the Mediterranean involving migrants from Libya are frequent. Rights groups and UN agencies have documented systematic abuse, including torture, rape, and extortion against migrants in Libya. Earlier this year, authorities discovered nearly 50 bodies in two mass graves in Libya’s southeastern desert, underscoring the persistent dangers faced by people attempting the sea crossing to Europe.
The incident highlights the immense challenges humanitarian organizations face in the Mediterranean and raises urgent questions about the EU’s support for the Libyan coast guard amid ongoing human rights concerns.