It is a moral obligation to save migrants in the Mediterranean rather than returning them to Libya, the co-founder and vice-president of international charity Sos Mediterranee, said on Monday.
"We cannot accept people dying at sea, or to see them sent back to Libya when their boats are intercepted by Libyan coastguard," said Sophie Beau.
"Despite the current, particularly difficult conditions at sea, our duty is to be there to rescue those who have fled from the horrors of Libya's camps, to protect them. We must keep bearing witness to accounts from these men, women and children who are in search of protection."
Sos Mediterranee's Acquarius ship was allegedly ordered not to pick up migrants aboard two boats listing in rough seas off Tripoli on Friday during an operation by Libyan coastguard and a Libyan navy vessel to intercept the boats and return the migrants to Libya.