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A Libyan coast guard patrol boat opened fire on the German NGO rescue vessel Sea-Watch 5 in international waters on May 11, shortly after the crew had rescued 90 migrants from an overcrowded wooden boat. The vessel issued a mayday call and was ultimately escorted toward Italy, with Brindisi designated as the port of safety.
The Libyan vessel fired one shot followed by a burst of 10–15 rounds on May 11, then threatened to board Sea-Watch 5 and divert it to a Libyan port. The rescue vessel was carrying 30 crew members and 90 rescued migrants at the time. No casualties from the gunfire were reported. Italian and German authorities were alerted following the mayday call.
The Libyan patrol boat involved was a Corrubia-class vessel donated to Libyan authorities by the Italian government.
Sea-Watch filed criminal complaints following the incident. Germany's embassy formally demanded an explanation from Libyan authorities. The European Commission described the events as "a technical matter."
Investigation is ongoing under German and Italian jurisdictions.
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