Condemnation of Libyan Coast Guard’s actions thickens

Condemnation of Libyan Coast Guard’s actions have thickened with  Seebrücke International, an German NGO that wants safe passages and an end of the criminalisation of civil sea rescue, demanding that the EU’s cooperation with the Libyan coastguard must be ended.

Seebrücke International said: “On Thursday morning, the #SEAEYE4 was notified of an emergency by @alarm_phone . 84 people were in distress at sea. During the operation, two boats from the so-called Libyan coastguard approached. They behaved aggressively and some of them pointed guns at the rescue boat.

Just a few days ago,  @soshumanity_en  also reported aggressive behaviour by the Libyans. Shots were fired during the Humanity1 operation and at least one person drowned in the chaos

“Now the #SEAEYE4 has been assigned to the port of Ancona, 800 nautical miles away – that means almost 4 days of travelling. The Humanity1 was detained after its deployment.

Now the Geo Barents of the NGO MSF has been assigned not one, but two ports for disembarkation.

“It is incomprehensible and stressful for the 261 survivors: why are some of the people allowed ashore at one harbour and the rest not? The #SeaWatch5 was able to enter Pozzallo due to urging and waiting, where the 51 survivors and the body of a 17-year-old boy were finally brought ashore.

“The 17-year-old had died 2 hours after the first urgent evacuation request because none of the state authorities took responsibility. Now the Sea-Watch 5 was also detained!

“The allocation of distant ports means days of waiting on ships and an unnecessary imposition for the rescued people.

The fact that ships continue to be blocked and detained or kept away from the area of operation for a long time by being assigned to distant ports is a deliberate risk to human lives due to the lack of rescue structures. The Piantedosi Decree provides the basis for this.The EU’s cooperation with the so-called Libyan coastguard must also finally be ended. The Piantedosi Decree should be abolished! #FreeTheShips!”