Doctors Without Borders (MSF) condemned the Libyan Navy’s boat attack on its ship (Bourbon Argos) which it said was on a search and rescue mission off the Libyan coast.

On Friday, the MSF said in a statement that it was ticked off by the “violent act” against the humanitarian and medical organization, which only aims at conducting rescue operations in the Mediterranean to save the lives of the immigrants, who flee wars, poverty, and catastrophes.

“On board the ship, there were the crewmembers, MSF staffers, and the rescue team, yet no one was hurt.” The MSF indicated, adding that neither the identity nor the ends of the attackers have been recognized although they seemed professional and well trained.

The MSF coordinator, Stefano Argenziano, said the assault was dangerous and disturbing as it nearly put the crewmembers’ lives in danger.

On the other hand, the Spokesman of the Libyan Naval Forces in Tripoli, Ayoub Qasim, denied the news about an intentional attack on the MSF ship, saying the whole incident was some warning shots fired by a Libyan Navy boat as it was patrolling off the Libyan coast.

“When the Libyan Navy personnel asked the MSF ship to stop, it refused, so they fired warning shots then they withdrew after they knew the ship belonged to the EU Operation Sophia.” Qasim added, saying investigation is underway.

The assault on Bourbon Argos took place 24 nautical miles to the north of the Libyan coast on August 17. The attack is said to be launched by an armed group, whose members climbed on the deck of the ship, fired some gunshots and then left, according to the MSF statement.