EU seeks answers from Libya after rescue vessel comes under fire

The European Union is seeking clarification from Libya after a German rescue organisation reported that one of its vessels came under attack by the Libyan coastguard following a migrant rescue operation in the Mediterranean.

A spokesperson for the European Commission said Tuesday, May 12, that the EU delegation in Tripoli will contact Libyan authorities to request an explanation and establish the facts surrounding the incident.

The spokesperson emphasised that all parties involved in search and rescue missions must fully respect international law, including international maritime law.

The development follows a statement by Sea-Watch, a German civilian rescue organisation operating in the Mediterranean, which said that Libyan coastguard forces fired at its vessel, Sea-Watch 5, after it rescued 90 people on Monday.

In an update published Tuesday, Sea-Watch said the incident occurred approximately 55 nautical miles north of Tripoli in international waters. The group added that the coastguard "threatened to board the ship and abduct those on board to Libya."

Germany’s Federal Foreign Office confirmed that the crew of the Sea-Watch 5 had contacted the German Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre as well as relevant government authorities regarding the incident.

The ministry also stated that the German embassy in Tripoli had requested an "immediate explanation" from Libyan officials.

The incident has renewed scrutiny of the EU’s cooperation with Libya on migration control. Since 2017, the European Commission has funded an Italian-led program supporting the Libyan coastguard, allocating approximately €59 million ($69 million), according to previously available data.

International rescue organisations, including Sea-Watch, have repeatedly criticised this funding, accusing the Libyan coastguard of using violence against migrants and humanitarian vessels.

Concerns escalated further after a separate incident last August, when shots were fired at the Ocean Viking vessel operated by SOS Méditerranée. Following that, major human rights organisations such as Doctors Without Borders and Amnesty International called on the EU to end its cooperation with the Libyan coastguard.

By Tamilla Hasanova