Rescue group Sea-Watch International has condemned the European Union’s migration policy after posting a video showing a migrant and refugee boat in the Mediterranean coming under attack by the Libyan coastguard.
The video, recorded on board Sea-Watch’s twin-engine Seabird, shows most of those on the vessel fall into the water and are seen swimming desperately to a nearby Libyan ship for safety. Dozens or so were reportedly on the dinghy when it was hit, Sea-Watch said.
It is noteworthy that the International Organization for Migration (IOM) reported that 271 illegal migrants, including 25 women and 23 children, were rescued off the coast of Libya between September 24 and October 2. Additionally, four bodies were recovered during the rescue operations.
This year alone, 11,736 illegal migrants have been rescued and returned to Libya, with 925 fatalities and 1,168 still missing along the Central Mediterranean route near the Libyan coast.
