The European Commission on Tuesday said it had contacted Libyan authorities following claims that the Libyan coastguard opened fire on a migrant rescue vessel in the Mediterranean.
In Summary
- SOS Mediterranee said its ship, Ocean Viking, was fired upon Sunday.
- Crew reported “hundreds of bullets” hitting the vessel during the attack.
- No injuries were reported, but the ship and equipment were damaged.
- Italy’s opposition has called for an end to cooperation with Libya.
An EC spokesperson confirmed Brussels had asked Tripoli to explain the alleged incident. “We have contacted the Libyan authorities to clarify the facts; it is their duty to say what happened,” he said, adding that the Commission was still “establishing the facts” and not yet considering consequences.
SOS Mediterranee’s Account
According to SOS Mediterranee, which operates Ocean Viking, the ship came under fire for over ten minutes while preparing to respond to a distress call on Sunday afternoon. The alleged assault occurred in international waters, around 40 miles north of Libya.
Crew members reported “hundreds of bullets” striking the vessel, causing “significant damage” but no injuries. The NGO said bullet holes were later found in the bridge, while three fast rescue boats and other vital equipment were also damaged.
“Although no one was physically wounded, everyone on board feared for their lives,” SOS Mediterranee said in a statement.
Operations director Soazic Dupuy demanded a full investigation and accountability for what the group called “an outrageous and unacceptable act.”
Political Fallout
The incident has sparked calls within Italy for the government to reconsider its cooperation with the Libyan coastguard. Opposition figures argue that agreements providing Libya with EU training, equipment, and funding should be revoked, citing repeated human rights concerns over the treatment of migrants.
Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s government has defended cooperation with Libya as a way to curb irregular migration, despite frequent criticism from rights groups.
The Ocean Viking – which rescued 87 migrants between Saturday night and Sunday morning – is sailing to Syracuse, Sicily, to disembark those on board and undergo urgent repairs.