Libyan Coast Guard Fires on Migrant Rescue Vessel in the Mediterranean

Cairo, Aug 25 (AP) A humanitarian organization reported that Libya's coast guard fired upon its vessel while it was conducting a search mission for a migrant boat in distress in the Mediterranean Sea.

The nonprofit group, SOS Mediterranee, disclosed details of the incident on Monday. The group claimed that the Libyan coast guard opened fire on their vessel while it was in international waters. The firing lasted for 20 minutes on Sunday afternoon, approximately 40 nautical miles north of the Libyan coast.

Fortunately, there were no casualties reported. However, the group indicated that the vessel suffered substantial damage.

This incident appears to be one of the most violent confrontations involving a European rescue ship and the Libyan coast guard, which receives training, equipment, and financial support from the European Union.

A spokesman for the coast guard did not respond to requests for comment.

SOS Mediterranee operates the Norwegian-flagged Ocean Viking in collaboration with the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies.

At the time of the attack, the Ocean Viking was en route to Italy on Monday, carrying 87 migrants it had rescued from other boats prior to the assault.

"We demand a full investigation into the events of yesterday afternoon and that those responsible for these life-threatening attacks be held accountable," said Soazic Dupuy, director of operations at SOS Mediterranee.

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