LIVE +++ Life is Mistery - and a little love letter to wrap things up from your head chef +++ Training week is over and crew is off at sea but after 10 days spent with these amazing humans I thought it would be worth sending them a little love letter from land. Some nights ago I was asked to do a speech for which I was totally unprepared for, so here's a second try with what I would have liked to say then: I felt incredible humanity around me these days: commitment, excitement, frustration, closeness. It reminded me why we do this and how incredible people can be sometimes. My dear RT26/04 crew, I admire you deeply. I am grateful for your strength, and for how it made me stronger as well. You will do great things, and I'm so happy to stand together in this fight. Stay kind to each other, and fuck Frontex! ❤️‍🔥+++ Cast off +++ All rats on board! As I untie the last line from the bollard—effectively cutting the Sea Punk 1 loose from its mother ship—I’m overcome, as always when a rotation begins, by a mixture of relief, pride, but also a touch of sadness at not going out to sea myself. Mixed in with this are grim anticipation and anger: 10 days of training, thousands of euros in donations, tears and sweat—all so that we can do the EU’s job. So that we can resist the deadly logic of exclusion behind “Fortress Europe.” So that people can flee more safely and, once ashore, claim the rights to which they are entitled. Because in the end, that’s exactly what it’s all about. It’s about people who are moving across the world in search of a future and new prospects. On the other hand, however, there is isolationism, cooperation with violent militias, and a willingness to let people drown if they don’t fit into one’s own logic of nationalism or exploitation. Solidarity will win—on land and at sea!+++ Take-Off á la Ab-Norma +++ News from the SARCo: Ring Ring! Time to roll up our sleeves again, we’re ramping up the Gross Punk Product! The alarm clock yanks us out of bed early in the morning, and even in our half-sleep, it’s clear: Today is Sail Day! Today the ship is heading out for a test run, including training at sea. No more dry runs and splashing around in the harbor basin! Quickly down a cup of coffee, clear out of our quarters, and then it’s off to the ship for the final briefings and checks. Tension is, of course, at 1312%. A lot can still go wrong. Will the harbor give the green light? Will the engines start up without a hitch? Will the pier move out of the way in time when the bridge opens? Who cares! It’s time to set sail, Sea Punk-style.+++ Embarkation Scenario +++ Ten people are currently simulating the arrival of rescued individuals on board as part of a search and rescue operation. Everyone involved is assigned different roles to train the crew under conditions that are as realistic as possible. Just like here in the live ticker, I’m taking on the annoying communications part. Offering help (that nobody wants), answering questions (that nobody asked), translating (when no translation is needed). In other words, getting on the crew’s nerves in every way possible. The goal of the exercise is to practice communication management even in chaotic and stressful situations.+++ Give at Checkout - La spesa intelligente +++ At the local discount store Eurospin, the motto is “La spesa intelligente” (smart shopping); curiously, after shopping, you can enter a lottery at the checkout. With us, there’s less gambling involved, but instead, you have the chance to do a good cause in a very simple way when you pay. Just click the link (https://www.paypal.com/DE/fundraiser/charity/4167712) and select SEA PUNKS e.V. as your preferred nonprofit organization in your registered profile (click the heart). For future transactions, you can then add an extra euro if you feel like it. True to the spirit of “La spesa intelligente” - smart Shopping, supporting sea rescue. A dopo! Follow live

Libyan militias fire at Justice Fleet rescue vessel, threaten to abduct crew and survivors to Libya

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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