A Libyan Coast Guard patrol fired hundreds of bullets at the humanitarian rescue ship 'Ocean Viking' in international waters on Sunday, causing significant damage to the vessel but leaving those on board unharmed, according to the NGO SOS Méditerranée.
The 'Ocean Viking,' operated by German NGO, had just rescued 87 people, including nine unaccompanied minors, from an inflatable boat off the Libyan coast when the incident occurred. It took place more than 70 kilometres off Libya in international waters.
The Libyan Coast Guard later described the gunfire as “warning shots.”
SOS Méditerranée condemned the “outrageous and unacceptable action,” which it described as a deliberate assault, and has called for a thorough investigation. It also demanded an end to European cooperation with the Libyan Coast Guard.
Photos showing bullet damage to the 'Ocean Viking' were shared on the NGO’s X account (formerly Twitter).
Despite the attack, the organisation confirmed that all 87 rescued individuals remained unharmed.
This is not the first time the 'Ocean Viking' has been targeted by the Libyan Coast Guard.
The Libyan authorities have not commented on the incident. Following the attack, the 'Ocean Viking' set sail for Sicily.
