Libyan Coast Guard Fires on Humanitarian Rescue Vessel in Mediterranean

A humanitarian rescue ship, the Ocean Viking, operated by the nonprofit SOS Mediterranee, came under fire from Libya’s coast guard while searching for a distressed migrant boat in the Mediterranean Sea, the organization reported on Monday. The incident occurred approximately 40 nautical miles (74km) north of the Libyan coast on Sunday, August 24, 2025, in international waters. No casualties were reported, but the vessel sustained significant damage.

SOS Mediterranee, which partners with the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies to operate the Norwegian-flagged Ocean Viking, described the attack as one of the most violent encounters between a European rescue ship and the Libyan coast guard. The patrol boat involved was reportedly a 2023 donation from Italy to Libya’s coast guard, part of the European Union’s support for border management programs.

Prior to the attack, the Ocean Viking had rescued 87 people, including many from war-torn Sudan, from two boats and was en route to Italy. While searching for a third distressed vessel, a Libyan patrol boat approached and opened fire for 15 to 20 minutes, according to Angelo Selim, the search-and-rescue coordinator on board. Selim recounted the chaotic scene, noting that the sound of gunfire was initially unclear until windows shattered above him, forcing the crew and rescued migrants to take cover. Some shots appeared to come from automatic weapons. Selim ordered non-essential crew and migrants to a safe room while he and the captain remained on the bridge. Video and photos released by SOS Mediterranee show two armed men on the Libyan vessel aiming weapons at the Ocean Viking, with gunfire audible and visible damage to the ship’s windows and equipment. The Libyan coast guard also issued threats over the radio, warning in Arabic, “If you don’t leave the area, we will come and kill you all,” according to Selim. SOS Mediterranee condemned the incident as “outrageous and unacceptable,” accusing the Libyan coast guard of a pattern of reckless behavior that endangers lives, violates human rights, and disregards international maritime law. The EU’s border protection agency, Frontex, called the incident “deeply concerning” and urged authorities to investigate promptly. Italy, a key supporter of Libya’s coast guard, has yet to comment officially. The government of Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has prioritized curbing migration across the Mediterranean, implementing tougher measures against human smugglers and pressing allies to address migration flows from Africa.

The Mediterranean crossing from Libya to Europe remains one of the deadliest migration routes, with frequent reports of boat capsizes and loss of life. Rights groups and UN agencies have also documented widespread abuses against migrants in Libya, including torture, rape, and extortion. Earlier this year, Libyan authorities discovered nearly 50 bodies in mass graves in the country’s southeastern desert, highlighting the dangers faced by those attempting to reach Europe.