Overview

• On August 24, a Libyan patrol vessel fired sustained automatic bursts at the Ocean Viking about 40 nautical miles off Libya, shattering bridge windows and disabling rescue equipment without causing serious injuries.
• Prosecutors in Siracusa have opened a criminal investigation after police boarded the ship in Augusta to document damage and take testimony from the crew.
• SOS Méditerranée says it issued a mayday and alerted NATO, which referred the ship to the Italian navy, and the NGO alleges the navy did not answer.
• The attacking craft was identified as a Corrubia-class boat donated by Italy in 2023 under EU-backed border cooperation, intensifying scrutiny of Europe’s partnership with Libyan forces.
• Frontex urged a swift probe as the European Commission sought clarifications, opposition leaders pressed Rome to end its Libya deal, and another NGO vessel was detained under Italy’s stricter rescue rules.