A patrol boat operated by the so-called Libyan coast guard fired live ammunition at the rescue ship Sea-Watch 5 and is attempting to seize the vessel, its 30 crew members, and 90 rescued people on board to Libya. The attack is ongoing and began shortly after the Sea-Watch 5 crew had rescued 90 people in distress at sea today at around 10am. The militias are requesting the ship to stop and are currently threatening to board the ship. The crew and those rescued fear for their life. Already in September 2025, the crew and rescued people aboard the Sea-Watch 5 were fired upon by a Libyan militia.
The attack has been evolving since Monday, May 11, at around 11 AM. Directly after the crew of the Sea-Watch 5 had rescued 90 people from distress. The militia then approached the rescue ship and eventually fired live ammunition at it. First one shot, then a salvo of ten to fifteen shots. Through radio communication, they said they want to force Sea-Watch 5 to Libya. They threaten to board the ship.
After being fired upon, the crew of the Sea-Watch 5 sent out a Mayday and informed the relevant Italian and German authorities. Two vessels of the so-called Libyan Coast Guard are currently in the vicinity of the ship. The crew has issued a second Mayday call.
Julia Winkler, Sea-Watch spokesperson:
“We fear for the lives of our crew and the rescued people on board. We call on all European states to immediately intervene and stop this aggression, which is carried out by forces paid and legitimized by them.”
