The (difficult) work of the Libyan Coast Guard filmed. Exciting, moving
(B2) The work of the Libyan Coast Guard is often decried but rarely known. A France 24 team managed to board, following a rescue from start to finish. A moving testimony
It is 130 km from the Libyan coast that the coastguard ship approaches a raft in disarray. The 126 people on board, mostly Sudanese, drifted for 18 hours. The Libyans were warned by the Maltese and Italian rescue centers (MRRC) (as required by international procedure).
Coastguard work
We recognize proven rescue methods, derived from European formations (in our opinion), aimed at securing the situation and bringing everyone on board to safety. " Secure the boat. They will fall. Slowly slowly. Each in turn. Children first ". The ship's captain commands the maneuver. Everyone is recovered safe and sound. But the conditions on board remain basic: no life jackets, no food. This coastguard boat is not really equipped to ensure such an important rescue. And, however, the Coast Guard do the work regularly, sometimes intervening out of the area, “ in the Maltese SAR zone “says the journalist from France 24.
People in great distress
The distress of migrants and refugees is clear. After 18 hours at sea, they imagine being saved by an NGO. What is their disappointment when they discover being supported by the Libyans. " I don't want to go back to Libya, please take me to Italy shouts a tearful young girl. No need for further questioning. We understand that it is a question of survival. Half-worded, she will confirm to reporters that she has been the object of sexual violence. " His little brother was kidnapped for ransom. His father was beaten, he was shot. He was extorted, forced to work by force without being paid says Julie Dungelhoeff.
Overwhelmed Libyans
Back at the port, the reception is not really up to scratch. " There are a lot of people in the center, it's full said one of the Libyan officials. Off camera, the observation is even more terrible. " What are we doing ? asks a Libyan agent (from migration control?) to his colleagues, captured by a discreet camera. “No one wants them, neither their embassies nor international organizations. The migrants will be embarked unceremoniously in a truck, heading for a center in Tripoli. The blows rain in general, testifies a Chadian. In front of the cameras, the Libyans do not dare.
The dirty work done by the Libyans
We can incriminate them, no doubt, the Libyans. But the reality is that Europeans turn a blind eye, happy that they are blocking any departure. " Europe gets rid of the dirty work “As summed up by our colleague from France 24.
(NGV)
