Mediterranean Sea – The German NGO Sea-Watch reported that its vessel, Sea-Watch 5, successfully rescued 30 people in distress in the central Mediterranean today, despite attempted intimidation by an armed Libyan militia.
According to the organization, the rescue operation was carried out amid harassment from Libyan forces, which attempted to deter the humanitarian crew. However, Sea-Watch stated that their team remained undeterred and brought all 30 migrants safely on board, saving them from both drowning and forced return to Libyan detention camps, which are widely criticized for human rights violations.
The NGO confirmed it is now en route to Marina di Carrara, a port designated by Italian authorities as the disembarkation point. However, Sea-Watch denounced the decision, calling it "needlessly and inhumanely distant," as the journey will require three days of navigation.
“The Italian political farce continues,” Sea-Watch added in a statement, criticizing what it views as obstructionist tactics aimed at slowing rescue operations and dissuading humanitarian intervention.
This incident is the latest in a series of tensions between rescue NGOs and both Libyan and Italian authorities, amid a wider political and humanitarian crisis in the Mediterranean Sea.
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