A humanitarian group’s vessel was fired upon by Libya’s coast guard in the Mediterranean Sea, according to a statement released by the nonprofit organization SOS Mediterranee on Monday. The incident occurred on Sunday, approximately 40 nautical miles north of the Libyan coast, as the group’s ship, the Ocean Viking, was searching for a migrant boat in distress.

The Ocean Viking, which is chartered by SOS Mediterranee in partnership with the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, had earlier rescued 87 people from two migrant boats, including many from war-torn Sudan. As it continued its search for a third migrant boat, it was approached by a Libyan patrol vessel in international waters. The Libyan coast guard began shooting at the Ocean Viking for 15 to 20 minutes, causing significant damage to the vessel but no casualties.

The attack is considered one of the most violent incidents involving a European rescue ship and the Libyan coast guard, which receives training, equipment, and funding from the European Union. The patrol boat used by the Libyan coast guard was a gift from Italy to Libya in 2023, as part of the European Union’s support for border management program.

SOS Mediterranee released details and images of the incident, including video and photos showing two men pointing weapons at the boat and several rounds of gunshots being fired. The group’s search and rescue coordinator, Angelo Selim, described the incident, stating that the Libyan coast guard warned the Ocean Viking over the radio to leave the area or face further violence.

The incident has been condemned by Frontex, the European Union’s border protection agency, which described it as “deeply concerning” and urged a swift and thorough investigation. SOS Mediterranee has also demanded a full investigation into the attack and called for those responsible to be brought to justice.

The Ocean Viking is currently on its way to Italy with the 87 migrants it had rescued before the attack. The incident highlights the risks faced by humanitarian groups operating in the Mediterranean Sea and the need for international authorities to ensure the safety of rescue vessels and the people they are trying to help. The European Union’s support for the Libyan coast guard has been criticized in the past, with many arguing that it has contributed to the escalation of violence against migrant boats and rescue vessels.