Migrants, rescue ships ‘face threats, harassment’ at sea
A leading aid group said on Aug. 24 that migrants crossing the Mediterranean and rescue ships that help them face increasing levels of threat and harassment from Libyan groups.
Thousands of people have died crossing from Africa to Europe and SOS Mediterranee is leading part of a network of ships and planes that monitor these waters.
The group said that the central Mediterranean was becoming “increasingly hostile,” which it stated was bolstered by “the expansion of European cooperation with Libyan actors regarding migration deterrence.”
SOS Mediterranee said that on at least seven occasions in June and July, boats “linked to Libyan actors” had approached rescue vessels “at high speed” or trailed them for hours, engaging in “chases” into international waters.
