Migrants, rescue ships face threats, harassment at sea, says aid group

A leading aid group, SOS Mediterranee, has reported an escalation in threats and harassment faced by migrants and rescue ships in the central Mediterranean. According to the group, Libyan groups are increasingly hostile towards the efforts of those helping migrants crossing the dangerous sea route from Africa to Europe.

The aid group noted several instances in June and July where boats linked to Libyan actors approached rescue vessels at high speed or trailed them for hours, engaging in chases into international waters. Additionally, there has been a significant rise in the presence of unidentified speed boats from different armed groups in Libya, which have been observed carrying out violent interceptions, including deliberately ramming boats carrying distressed people and performing maneuvers that endangered lives.

Last year, SOS Mediterranee accused the Libyan coast guard of attacking its Ocean Viking rescue ship in international waters, with over 100 shots fired, putting the crew and 87 rescued migrants at risk. Legal proceedings have been initiated in Italy, France, and Germany, but the identities of those responsible have not been identified, and European and national authorities have remained silent.

The United Nations International Organization for Migration (IOM) reported a 111% increase in deaths or missing migrants in the central Mediterranean during the first four months of the year compared to the same period in 2025. The number of deaths rose to 821, while migrant arrivals fell by 46% to 8,577. SOS Mediterranee has called for a full and independent investigation into these threats and harassment faced by migrants and rescue ships.