Ocean Viking under heavy fire by Libyan Coast Guard in unprecedented attack against survivors and humanitarian workers

Marseille, 25.08.2025 – Yesterday afternoon, at 15:03 local time, the MV Ocean Viking, search and rescue vessel chartered by SOS MEDITERRANEE in partnership with the IFRC, was deliberately targeted in a shooting by the Libyan Coast Guard. Although no one was physically wounded, everyone on board feared for their lives, and crucial rescue equipment and the ship herself suffered significant damage. 

At the time of the attack, the MV Ocean Viking was in International waters, approximately 40 Nautical Miles north of the Libyan coast, when she was approached by a Corrubia-class patrol vessel operated by the Libyan Coast Guard.  

With 87 survivors already on board — rescued between the night of Saturday 23 August and the morning of Sunday 24 August — our vessel had been authorised by the Italian Coordination Center to pause her Course to the assigned disembarkation port and search for an additional boat in distress in International waters. While our teams were actively engaged in searching for the distress case, the MV Ocean Viking was approached by the Libyan patrol vessel, which unlawfully demanded that we leave the area and head north. The information was first given to us in English, and then in Arabic, with translation by our cultural mediator on board, who informed them from the Bridge that the Ocean Viking was leaving the area. However, without any warning or ultimatum, two men aboard the patrol vessel opened fire on our humanitarian ship, unleashing at least 20 relentless minutes of assault gunfire directly at us. 

During the time of the assault, the patrol vessel circled the MV Ocean Viking, deliberately targeting crew members on the Bridge — the part of the ship where the navigation and steering take place. The attack caused bullet holes at head height, the destruction of multiple antennas, and four broken windows on the Bridge, and several bullets struck and damaged the three RHIBS (fast rescue boats), along with other rescue equipment. 

While the attack was Underway, the teams from SOS MEDITERRANEE and the IFRC secured the 87 survivors before taking Shelter inside the ship. Fortunately, no crew members or survivors on board sustained any injuries. 

After the incident, the MV Ocean Viking issued a mayday and alerted NATO¹, seeking protection and assistance. Our ship was referred to the closest NATO asset — an Italian navy ship. However, the Italian Navy never answered the phone.  

1 Operation Sea Guardian is NATO’s maritime security operation in the Mediterranean and is presently conducting three maritime security tasks: maritime security capacity building, support to maritime situational awareness, and maritime counter-terrorism. 

This incident was not only an outrageous and unacceptable act. The methods, circumstances, and dynamics clearly demonstrate a deliberate, targeted attack on our crew and, secondly, on our rescue capabilities. This is far from isolated: the Libyan Coast Guard has a long history of reckless behaviour that endangers people at sea, flagrantly violates human rights and shows total disregard for international maritime law. Yet European states, with Italy at the forefront, continue to support, equip, and train the Libyan Coast Guard. The patrol vessel² used by the Libyan Coast Guard during the incident had been donated by Italy in 2023 as part of the European Union’s “Support to Integrated Border and Migration Management in Libya (SIBMMIL)” program. In July 2023, the MV The Ocean Viking faced a violent encounter when a similar patrol boat fired near our RHIBs during a rescue. Despite our public requests, no enquiries were opened.

“We demand a full investigation into the events of yesterday afternoon and that those  responsible for these life –threatening attacks be brought to justice”, says Soazic Dupuy, SOS MEDITERRANEE Director of Operations.

“We also demand an immediate end to all European collaboration with Libya. A party that makes unlawful claims in International waters, deliberately obstructs rescue efforts to people in mortal danger, and targets unarmed humanitarian workers, and rescued people cannot be considered a competent authority. We cannot accept an internationally recognised coast guard carrying out unlawful assaults. Furthermore, we call for an end to the criminalisation of rescue, which only creates fertile ground for these incredibly vicious attacks”, concludes Dupuy.

2 This specific vessel was gifted in June 2023 after spending a year in the port of Messina along with its “twin”.

Our vessel is now sailing north. The Ocean Viking’s captain used his overriding master authority to set Course for Siracusa, her home port, to disembark all 87 survivors and carry out the necessary critical repairs. Italian authorities just confirmed the destination.