One drowns as SOS Humanity rescues 77 others

One person has reportedly drowned as SOS Humanity International managed to rescue 77 others.

The rescue efforts, according to SOS Humanity International was interrupted by Libyan Coast Guard.

A statement by the organization said:
“Today, a rescue mission of the Humanity 1 in int. waters was interrupted by the life-threatening intervention of the so-called Libyan Coast Guard. The crew nevertheless managed to rescue 77 people from three unseaworthy boats. At least one person drowned.”

During the rescue operation, it said “a patrol boat of the so-called Libyan Coast Guard arrived, fired live bullets at the water while there were people and threatened our crew. At least one person drowned in the ensuing chaos.

“Most of the other people were brought on board the Humanity 1. Some were forced onto the patrol boat and thus brought back to Libya. A few hours earlier, when we witnessed a forced interception, the so-called Libyan coast guard threatened our crew.

“The behavior of the so-called Libyan Coast Guard, financed by the EU, and the lack of intervention by European authorities led to death and the return of people to a country from which they were fleeing, in violation of international law.”