Libyan navy acknowledges dangerous chase of migrant boat

Maritime authorities say Libyan vessel endangered lives of migrants during chase in Mediterranean Sea.

Libyan maritime authorities acknowledged a Libyan coast guard vessel fired warning shots at a migrant boat it was chasing in the Mediterranean Sea, in an apparent effort to stop it from crossing to Europe. The Libyan navy issued a statement late Thursday condemning “any acts that violate local and international standards and laws” and pledged to hold those responsible to account. It added the Libyan vessel had endangered the lives of migrants during the chase. On Thursday, the German non-governmental group Sea-Watch released footage filmed from a plane showing the Libyan coast guard chasing at high speed a blue wooden boat with a small engine and at least two dozen people on board.