Sos Mediterranee's rescue ship Acquarius was ordered to remain 'on stand-by' last week by Libyan authorities, who said Libya's coastguard and navy would intercept two migrants boats in rough seas 25 miles northeast of Tripoli, the international charity said on Monday.
During the four hours Sos Mediterranee waited on stand-by on Friday, the weather conditions worsened, increasing the risk of a shipwreck, said Sos Mediterranee coordinator Nicola Stalla.
"We were ready to intervene at any moment with our rescue team and professional crew."
"This dramatic incident was very difficult for our team members, who were forced to look on helplessly," said Sophie Beau, Sos Mediterranee's co-founder and vice-president.
"They had to observe operations leading to the return to Libya of people who had fled from what survivors describe as true hell and which we have never ceased to condemn since we began our mission in the Mediterranean."
