norway Demands Investigation After Libyan Coast Guard Fires on Rescue Ship
TRIPOLI/OSLO, August 25, 2024 – The Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has called for a full investigation by Libyan authorities following an incident on August 24 in which the Libyan Coast Guard fired hundreds of shots at the rescue vessel Ocean Viking while it was operating in international waters. The Ministry also urged Libya to implement measures to prevent similar occurrences.
“This was a serious incident that put vessels, crew and others on board at risk,” the Ministry stated in a press release. No injuries were reported.
The Ocean Viking, operated by SOS Méditerranée in partnership with the Red Cross, was assisting migrants and refugees at sea when it came under fire.according to SOS Méditerranée, the ship has been rescuing individuals attempting to cross the Mediterranean in precarious boats since the summer of 2019.
There were 120 peopel on board at the time of the attack, including nine crew members and the remainder survivors from recent rescue operations.This is not the first time the Ocean Viking has been targeted by the Libyan Coast Guard; a similar incident occurred in 2023.
The Ocean Viking has also faced challenges securing port access, with Italian authorities repeatedly denying entry to the ship and it’s rescued passengers.
Further details, including video and images, are available in a report from Sunnmørsposten: https://www.smp.no/nyheter/i/W0E3BG/kulene-floey-rundt-oerene-paa-kaptein-fra-sunnmoere.
