FAMAGUSTA GAZETTE – A humanitarian rescue vessel operating in the Mediterranean was fired upon by the Libyan Coast Guard on Sunday afternoon while in international waters, according to SOS MEDITERRANEE and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC).
The MV Ocean Viking, chartered by SOS MEDITERRANEE in partnership with the IFRC, was struck at 3:03 p.m. local time while searching for a boat in distress approximately 40 nautical miles north of the Libyan coast. The ship was carrying 87 survivors rescued earlier in the weekend and had been authorized by Italian authorities to pause its course to the assigned disembarkation port.
According to the organizations, a Corrubia-class patrol vessel approached the Ocean Viking and ordered it to leave the area. Moments later, two men aboard the Libyan vessel opened fire without warning, targeting the bridge and rescue equipment. The assault lasted roughly 20 minutes, causing damage to antennas, windows, and three fast rescue boats. Bullet holes were found at head height on the bridge, but no injuries were reported among crew or survivors.
The Ocean Viking issued a mayday and attempted to contact a nearby NATO asset — an Italian Navy ship — but received no response.
“This was a deliberate, targeted attack on our crew and rescue capabilities,” said Soazic Dupuy, SOS MEDITERRANEE’s Director of Operations. “We demand a full investigation and accountability for those responsible.”
The organizations condemned continued European support for the Libyan Coast Guard, noting that the patrol vessel involved had been donated by Italy in 2023 under an EU border management program. They also cited a similar incident in July 2023 involving gunfire near rescue boats.
The Ocean Viking is now en route to Siracusa, Italy, where survivors will be disembarked and the vessel will undergo repairs. Italian authorities have confirmed the destination.
Dupuy called for an immediate end to European cooperation with Libya, stating that “a party that obstructs rescue efforts and targets unarmed humanitarian workers cannot be considered a competent authority.”