The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) and SOS Méditerranée, a maritime-humanitarian organization for the rescue of life at sea, have published a joint statement condemning recent action by the Libyan coast guard, in which the organisations accused members of the Libyan coast guard of firing at irregular migrants and rescue workers.
The statement mentioned that the incident took place during a rescue operation in international waters off the coast of Libya where a small vessel was facing difficulties and migrants, including 5 unaccompanied children, were in need of rescue. SOS Méditerranée’s chartered humanitarian ship ‘Ocean Viking’ was participating in the rescue before being forced to drift away.
The joint statement declared that 11 migrants were saved, some of whom were traumatized by the incident. According to SOS Méditerranée, this is the third time since the beginning of the year in which the Libyan coast guard has exposed the “SOS Mediterranean” crew to threats, intimidation or assault.
Source: AFP
