At 9:15 a.m. a fast boat of the Libyan coastguard approached the Bourbon Argos at high speed. The crew of the fast boat was not willing to identify themselves and refused any communication. After repeated attempts to communicate, the crew of the Bourbon Argos retreated to their safe room.
The fast boat started shooting at the Bourbon Argos. At least 13 bullets struck the vessel, some of them near the bridge. After the shooting, the men of the coastguard entered the vesseland searched it. After 50 minutes, they left without taking anything.
It is important to note that during the attack the Bourbon Argos was not carrying out any SAR operation and was just patroling the area.
Date of SAR (UTC): 17/08/2016
Vessels
Number of migrant boats: 0
Type of migrant boat(s): N.A
Number of people on board per boat: 0
Other vessels in the vicinity (e.g. unidentified / cargo / aircrafts): Libyan Coast Guard vessel
Actors involved (by asset / institution type): Libyan Coast Guard/Navy
Location
Region of Mediterranean: Central Mediterranean
Position(s) of rescue(s) at the time of SAR operation(s):
Location description: High seas
Approximate distance from coast line: 24 Nautical Miles off Libyan Coast
Fatalities
Total number of confirmed deaths: 0
Estimated number of dead / missing persons: 0