Corrubia-class patrol boats of the so-called Libyan Coast Guard, donated by the Italian government (Meloni administration) on June 24, 2023. Their arrival at the port of Tripoli was even celebrated by the Libyan commander Bija, already known to the UN as a brutal criminal and human trafficker.
Unlike the previous patrol boats of the same class (658 Fezzan and 660 Ubari), these two display the inscription “Libyan Coast Guard” on the hull, along with the standard international identification logo for coast guards. However, their identification numbers — which are clearly visible on the other “sister” boats — are barely noticeable here.
Yet, being able to distinguish between these two vessels is particularly important, as both crews have engaged in extremely violent conduct, more severe than the already frequent crimes committed by the so-called Libyan Coast Guard (see the Humanity One case of March 2, 2024, and the Ocean Viking case of August 24, 2025).
Distinguishing Features
We examined the available material concerning these two patrol boats and attempted to gather all elements that could help differentiate them.
Seawater inlets and outlets
These are the easiest features to compare — especially on the port side (left side), where the pattern reveals a different number of elements:
As for the starboard side (right side) pattern, it is possible to observe that on the two patrol boats, the text printed on the hull (Libyan Coast Guard) occupies a different position in relation to the outlets:
Bow
On the bow, Murzuq features a black rectangular element, which is absent on Houn:
Frontal Section
In the frontal section, a different arrangement of metal inserts above the hatches can be observed. Additionally, above Murzuq’s hatches there is a horizontal recess, which is absent on Houn:
Loudspeakers
At present, even the color of the loudspeakers serves as a distinguishing feature between the two patrol boats:
Conclusions
We would like to thank Sea-Watch for providing us with high-definition photographic material.