A European sea rescue non-governmental organisation (NGO) claims that Libyan coast guards fired shots in the vicinity of one of its vessels in the international waters of the central Mediterranean, denouncing it as an illegal use of force.
The humanitarian concern, Louise Michel, accused the Libyan Coast Guard on Sunday of opening fire near its ship while it was sailing in international waters, approximately 200 to 300 meters from the vessel.
The incident reportedly occurred as a Libyan patrol boat came ”dangerously close” to the vessel according to a statement from the organisation.
The crew subsequently spotted an empty inflatable boat in the area, a detail the organisation described as a “disturbing sign” that could indicate an illegal pushback or a forced return to Libya.
The NGO asserts that the involved vessel is a patrol boat handed over to the Libyan authorities in 2023 under a European Union-funded program, during a ceremony attended by Italian and European officials.
Louise Michel maintains that the incident illustrates “the ongoing technical and operational support” provided by the EU and Italy to Libyan forces, despite “violent behaviour and actions contrary to maritime law.”
The NGO accuses its European partners of offering “political cover” for operations during which force is allegedly used illegally to prevent migrant departures.
No immediate reaction from the Libyan Coast Guard or European authorities was available.
The incident comes as several humanitarian organisations regularly issue warnings about the risks faced by migrants and rescue crews in this part of the central Mediterranean, one of the most dangerous migratory routes in the world, according to the International Organization for Migration (IOM).
MK/ak/ac/sf/lb/as/APA