The Maritime Search and Rescue Office of the General Directorate for Coastal Security, Tobruk Branch, has denied reports claiming that Egyptian nationals are being held at the city’s migrant shelter. The statement comes in response to rumours that followed the recent sinking of a migrant boat off Libya’s eastern coast.
Following coordination with Major General Ibrahim Al-Arbad, head of the Anti-Illegal Migration Authority, the office confirmed that eight Egyptian survivors had already been repatriated. It described claims of Egyptians being detained at the facility as entirely unfounded.
The office also warned against the spread of false information, noting that such rumours are being used to deceive families of missing persons by soliciting money in exchange for fabricated details. Authorities emphasized the importance of transparency and reaffirmed their continued coordination with Egyptian officials.