The Werra to the rescue of nationals arrested by the Libyan coast guard
(BRUXELLES2) This is an event that has not really been commented on in the French-speaking press. The German tanker Werra had to leave, temporarily, according to our information, the European operation to combat human trafficking in the Mediterranean (EUNAVFOR Med / Sophia) in mid-September to carry out a national operation in Libya to recover two German nationals belonging to the NGO "Sea-Eye".
Between Libyans and Germans a different language
The two men (Dittmar Kania et Michael Herbke) were arrested on Friday (September 9), by the Libyan Coast Guard off Libya and brought to shore at the Libyan port of Zawia. " They were stopped in territorial waters, tried to flee but were stopped by a warning shot from the Coast Guard explains the online daily libya herald. A version denied by those concerned who deny having entered the territorial area. " They were out of the 12 mile zone. This is also confirmed by the crews of other European relief organizations who were not far explains a spokesperson for the organization. " Our two sailors were forced by the Libyan Coast Guard at gunpoint to return to a Libyan port " precise Hans-Peter Buschheuer, to the local daily ofAugsburg*.
fear of pirates
In fact, according to the testimony of one of the sailors arrested, there was a "leak" but for an understandable reason. " We were aware of the presence of pirates in the area (1). When I saw a speedboat coming at high speed towards us, we then accelerated” says Dittmar Kania on Bavarian radio Bayerischen Rundfunks*. But the other boat was too fast and caught up with us ". The men on board had guns and fired into the air. " When we saw they were wearing uniforms, it was clear to us that it must be the Coast Guard. The NGO sailors then stopped and allowed themselves to be arrested.
Well treated by the Libyan authorities
Brought back to the port of Zawia in Libya, the two Germans were first placed in police custody and heard for six hours. Then they were brought to the residence of the commander of the coast guard. " A most bizarre situation — according to the sailor —. We arrived at the commandant's residence, which was about 1.000 square meters, with paddock and stables. We were treated very well and were able to sleep on mattresses in the same room as the commander. »
The diplomatic intervention
Very quickly the German authorities - the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the ambassador to Libya, Christian Buck (present in Tunisia) intervened and were able to obtain their release on Monday (September 12). To recover them, the German navy dispatched one of its ships, the Werra, to link up with the Libyan Coast Guard. The two freed sailors were then transferred to the high seas on the Sea Eye then repatriated to Malta, the base of most NGOs for rescue at sea. We do not know, however, the conditions of this release (especially if it required the payment of a "deposit").
One of the many NGOs present on the coast
LONG Sea Eye was founded by a German, Michael Buschheuer and his family (2). They acquired an old fishing boat, 24 meters long, the Sternhai, renamed MS Sea Eye, to help people fleeing across the Mediterranean. At the beginning of August, they set up a light cruiser (of type Parker 1600 Interceptor). Based in Tunisia, in Zarzis, the "Speedy"allows you to intervene in a way" faster, to save people from drowning ". To date, by their own count, they have saved nearly 4000 people. 15 meters long, it can accommodate up to 4 crew members and at least 26 survivors. « Our ship (Sea-Eye) which can carry tons of lifesaving equipment, water and food is going too slow » explains theorganization *.
The ship in Libyan hands
The Speedy, however, remained in Libyan hands. The head of the NGO, Mr. Buschheuer, suspects in some way a form of state piracy, he told the Bavarian Radio*. Libyan Coast Guard personnel who may be “ interested in recovering a modern boat ».
Comment: this Libyan intervention can be explained by several reasons (not automatically contradictory). The fierce will of the Libyans to preserve the integrity of their coasts is real. The Libyans, who are very sensitive to their sovereignty, take a dim view of these foreign ships 'circling' around their coasts, even if it means slightly overflowing their 12 miles. Carrying out this type of operation is a way of asserting their sovereignty. The fear of espionage which was a permanent feature of Gaddafi's time also remains very present. We cannot exclude either that it is a means of pressure on the Europeans so that they accelerate the equipment of the Libyan coastguard (but the process could be rather counter-productive). To this can be added more local elements. Libyan authority is not yet very assertive. And the autonomy of each of its forces is notable. Intra-Libyan accounts settlement elements may also not be absent from these interventions against NGO vessels.
(Nicolas Gros-Verheyde)
(1) The fear of attacks was heightened by the August attack on MSF's Bourbon Argos followed by an attempt on the Sea-Eye itself. And NGOs working in the sector have been warned of this fact. Read : The Bourbon Argos attacked off the Libyan coast (maj2)
(2) Download the presentation file of the NGO (in English)
(*) translated from German by us
