We at Women in Exile & Friends are shocked to learn that the Sea-Watch 5 rescue ship, which we baptised and are the godmothers of, was fired upon by a patrol boat of the so-called “Libyan Coast Guard” on the night of 26 September 2025. The ship was acquired with the support of the Protestant Church initiated coalition « United for rescue ». The attack occurred shortly after the crew had rescued 66 people in distress at sea. Fortunately, the rescued individuals and the crew were unharmed.

We strongly condemn this attack from the „Libyan Coast Guard“ and the Italian and EU authorities for co-financing them. This endangers the lives of those fleeing the country instead of providing them with safety. Despite being fired at, we commend the Sea-Watch crew for not abandoning their mission and managing to rescue 66 people in distress at sea.

We support the call by Sea-Watch for an immediate investigation and call upon Italy and the European Union to stop financing Libyan coastguards.