SOS Méditerranée reports rising threats to migrants and rescue ships in Mediterranean

Mediterranean migration SOS Méditerranée Libyan armed groups search and rescue humanitarian crisis

The humanitarian organization SOS Méditerranée has reported an increase in threats and harassment against migrants and rescue vessels in the central Mediterranean. The NGO stated that the region is becoming 'increasingly hostile,' a situation they attribute to expanded European cooperation with Libyan actors aimed at deterring migration.

According to the organization, at least seven incidents occurred during June and July where vessels linked to Libyan actors engaged in high-speed chases or closely followed rescue ships into international waters. SOS Méditerranée also noted a significant rise in unidentified speedboats associated with various Libyan armed groups. These vessels have reportedly been involved in violent interceptions, including the deliberate ramming of boats carrying people in distress.

The NGO highlighted a previous incident involving its vessel, the Ocean Viking, where the Libyan coastguard was accused of firing over 100 shots at the ship in international waters, endangering the crew and 87 rescued migrants. While legal proceedings have been initiated in Italy, France, and Germany, the organization noted that European authorities have remained silent and those responsible have not been identified.

Separately, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) reported that 821 people died or went missing in the central Mediterranean during the first four months of the year.

Entities

International Organization for Migration · Libya · Libyan Coastguard · Mediterranean Sea · Ocean Viking · SOS Méditerranée

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

[● 4 SOURCES] There has been a significant increase in unidentified speedboats linked to various Libyan armed groups. www.gazetezebra.com.tr · fr.euronews.com · www.upday.com · www.euronews.com
[● 4 SOURCES] The central Mediterranean is becoming increasingly hostile. www.gazetezebra.com.tr · fr.euronews.com · www.upday.com · www.euronews.com
[● 4 SOURCES] During an attack on the Ocean Viking last year, more than 100 shots were fired. www.gazetezebra.com.tr · fr.euronews.com · www.upday.com · www.euronews.com
[● 4 SOURCES] In June and July, boats linked to Libyan actors approached rescue vessels at high speed or trailed them for hours on at least seven occasions. www.gazetezebra.com.tr · fr.euronews.com · www.upday.com · www.euronews.com
[○ 1 SOURCE] 821 people died or went missing in the central Mediterranean during the first four months of the year. www.euronews.com
[● 4 SOURCES] Legal proceedings regarding the Ocean Viking attack have been initiated in Italy, France, and Germany. www.gazetezebra.com.tr · fr.euronews.com · www.upday.com · www.euronews.com
[● 4 SOURCES] Unidentified vessels have been observed deliberately ramming boats carrying people in distress. www.gazetezebra.com.tr · fr.euronews.com · www.upday.com · www.euronews.com

Sources

Akdeniz, göçmenler için her zamankimden daha tehlikeli [www.gazetezebra.com.tr]

about 2 hours ago

Migrants et navires de secours menacés en mer par des groupes libyens [fr.euronews.com]

about 4 hours ago

Méditerranée centrale : SOS Méditerranée dénonce des interceptions violentes et des poursuites de navires de sauvetage | Toute l’actualité en France et dans le Monde - upday News [www.upday.com]

about 4 hours ago

Migrants, rescue ships face threats at sea by Libyan groups, NGO says [www.euronews.com]

about 4 hours ago