Vessels linked to the Libyan Coast Guard opened fire on the humanitarian rescue ship Sea-Watch 5 following a migrant rescue operation in the Mediterranean Sea. This was stated by the German organization Sea-Watch, as reported by the Associated Press, according to UNN.
Details
According to the organization, the incident occurred approximately 27 miles off the coast of Libya after the crew rescued about 90 people from a crowded wooden boat. Sea-Watch claims that the vessels approaching the ship first fired a single shot and then unleashed a burst of 10–15 live rounds, ordering the vessel to stop.
Crew issued a distress signal
There were about 30 crew members and the rescued migrants on board the Sea-Watch 5. The humanitarian organization stated that those on the ship feared for their lives.
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After the incident began, the crew transmitted a distress signal and reported the situation to the authorities in Italy and Germany. Later, another signal was sent following reports of two other vessels linked to the Libyan Coast Guard approaching.
A spokesperson for the Libyan government in Tripoli has not yet commented on the humanitarian organization's claims.
The Libyan route remains one of the most dangerous
The AP notes that the Libyan coast remains one of the primary routes for illegal migration to Europe. Every year, thousands of people attempt to cross the Mediterranean in small boats, and many perish during the perilous journey.
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