Libyan coastguard shot at migrant rescue ship in Mediterranean, NGO claims

A humanitarian group has claimed that the Libyan coast guard opened fire on a ship it was operating in the Mediterranean which had 87 rescued migrants onboard.

In a statement on Monday, the non-profit SOS Mediterranee called the alleged attack against the MV Ocean Viking on Sunday afternoon "an outrageous and unacceptable act."

None of the migrants or the crew were injured during the 20-minutes assault, according to SOS Mediterranee, who said the event happened in international waters 40 miles north of the Libyan coast.

"Although no one was physically wounded, everyone on board feared for their lives, and crucial rescue equipment and the ship herself suffered significant damage," the NGO said.

The charity reported that bullet holes were discovered in the bridge, the part of the ship where steering and navigation take place. Three fast rescue boats (RHIBS) and other equipment were also damaged, it said

The Libyan coastguard did not respond to a request for comment on the incident.

Ocean Viking, which rescued 87 migrants in the Mediterranean between Saturday evening and Sunday morning, was preparing to respond to another distress call at the time of the reported attack.

"We demand a full investigation into the events of yesterday afternoon and that those responsible for these life–threatening attacks be brought to justice," said Soazic Dupuy, SOS Mediterranee's operations director.

The NGO also called for an end to the EU's ongoing collaboration with Libya, which has been repeatedly criticised by human rights groups for the way it treats migrants attempting to reach Europe.

Libya, which rejects claims that it is guilty of human rights abuses against migrants, receives training, equipment and funding from the EU to intercept migrant boats travelling to Europe by sea.

SOS Mediterranee said that Ocean Viking was heading north on Monday to Syracuse, its home port in Sicily, to disembark the 87 migrants and to start repair work.