REFUGEE rescue charity SOS Humanity protested today over Italy’s seizure of its ship, also accusing Libyan coastguards of firing live bullets and using violence as they sought to stop the vessel picking up migrants in distress last weekend.

The German NGO insisted that the Humanity 1 had followed international law and that no clear reason had been given for the seizure, which took place after the vessel docked in the southern port of Crotone.

“Humanity 1 was first on the scene and therefore responsible for the rescue according to maritime law,” said the captain, who was identified only by his first name Leo.