New clash with a Libyan coastguard ship? Several drowned denounce an NGO
(B2) According to the German NGO Sea Watch which works in the Mediterranean Sea, the intervention of a ship bearing the mark of the "Libyan Coast Guard" turned tragic on 21 October.
A muscular intervention by the Libyans
The Libyan speedboat appeared as NGO staff prepared to board the inflatable boat, carrying around 150 people. " Our two boats were further attacked aggressively, preventing our crew from providing life jackets and medical aid to those in distress”. « The intervention of the Libyan coast guard - with sticks, beating the migrants - caused a situation of panic on board the rubber boat ", said Sea Watch. " One of the boat's flanges has collapsed, dragging most of the 150 people into the water. At least four of them drowned. 4 other unconscious people are currently receiving medical treatment. 120 refugees were saved. »
A request for investigation
This intervention by the "pseudo Libyan coast guard" put " endangered not only the crew of the rescue volunteers, but additionally caused the death of many migrants. At present, it is very difficult to know why the Libyan Coast Guard got involved in the way it did denounces the NGO which "calls for an immediate and detailed investigation into this violation of humanitarian law".
(NGV)
