Overview

• SOS Méditerranée reported that a Libyan coast-guard boat fired for about 20 minutes at the Ocean Viking in international waters, damaging antennas, windows and rescue craft without causing injuries.
• Ocean Viking is docked in Augusta in Sicily, where Italian forensic teams have begun on-board checks and collected photos and video documenting the reported assault.
• The European Commission said it has contacted Libyan authorities to clarify the incident, with spokesperson Markus Lammert urging Tripoli to urgently explain what happened.
• Italian authorities placed Mediterranea Saving Humans’ vessel under administrative detention in Trapani with a possible fine of up to €10,000, as mission chief Beppe Caccia stays aboard in protest and Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi asserts state primacy in SAR coordination.
• A separate NGO boat, Trotmar III, was administratively seized in Lampedusa for not notifying the Libyan coast guard of a rescue, while opposition parties and NGOs call for investigations and a halt to Italy’s cooperation with Libya, with reports indicating the firing patrol boat matches an Italian-donated unit.