Overview

• SOS Méditerranée reports sustained gunfire for about 20 minutes that damaged the bridge and rescue gear, leaving bullet holes and shattered windows, with 87 rescued people aboard and no injuries.
• The group says the encounter occurred roughly 40 nautical miles north of Libya in international waters during an Italian-authorized search for another distress case.
• The crew issued a mayday and alerted NATO, and SOS Méditerranée says a forwarded call to a nearby Italian Navy vessel went unanswered.
• A Libyan coast guard spokesman acknowledges an encounter but characterizes the gunfire as warning shots and accuses NGOs of encouraging smugglers.
• The patrol boat involved was reportedly donated by Italy under an EU program, the Ocean Viking is heading to Siracusa to disembark survivors and repair damage, and the NGO is calling for an independent investigation and accountability.