13.05.2026. On Monday, a patrol boat operated by the so-called Libyan Coast Guard fired live ammunition at the rescue ship Sea-Watch 5 and threatened to seize the vessel and abduct the 30 crew members and 90 rescued people on board, taking them to Libya. This attack follows a threatening pattern of escalating violence by the EU-supported Libyan maritime actors against humanitarian actors and protection seekers, according to the Justice Fleet alliance.
Credits: Leo Spartacus / Sea-Watch
Shortly after a rescue of 90 people in international waters, the so-called Libyan Coast Guard began firing live ammunition at the Sea-Watch 5, threatening to board the ship in an effort to force the crew and survivors to Libya. Pursued by two Libyan patrol vessels, the Sea-Watch 5 sent two Mayday emergency calls, fearing for the safety of everyone on board.
For years, search and rescue organisations have been warning of the imminent danger posed by Libyan militias operating as a so-called coast guard to intercept people fleeing across the Mediterranean and return them to abuses and torture in Libya.
“We’re shocked and appalled by the absolute recklessness with which European-backed militias are firing at and threatening to abduct the crew and survivors aboard a humanitarian rescue vessel”, says Wasil Schauseil, spokesperson for the Justice Fleet, an alliance of 14 non-governmental search and rescue organisations.
”This attack once again proves the Justice Fleet right in its decision to terminate operational communication with Libyan maritime actors in order to expose the illegality of their actions and protect our crews and survivors. The refusal of European governments to end their cooperation with these actors increasingly appears to reward their life-threatening conduct. This impunity must end.”
Only one week ago, the German Ministry of the Interior informed all German-flagged vessels of an increased security risk in international waters within the Libyan search and rescue zone, referring to attacks by the so-called Libyan Coast Guard on rescue and merchant vessels. This warning came months after the rescue vessel Ocean Viking was attacked by the same actors in August 2025, and after years of systematic violence against people seeking protection. Despite this, the EU and its member states have drawn no political consequences and continue to support Libyan maritime authorities with training, equipment and finances.
The Justice Fleet alliance was formed in November 2025 in response to the growing danger posed by Libyan maritime actors and decided to end all operational communication with the Libyan rescue coordination centre. The alliance demands an immediate end to European cooperation with the Libyan maritime authorities.
Further information
More information on the Justice Fleet can be found here.
A list of extreme acts of violence committed by Libyan militias can be found here.
Photo and video material from the Sea-Watch 5 rescue can be found here.
Further information on the detention of Sea-Watch 5 can be found on the Sea-Watch website under News.
Contact:
Wasil Schauseil
Pressesprecher Justice Fleet
+49 30 120821923
info@justice-fleet.org