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Migrants crisis: Up to 3,000 people being rescued near Libya coast Migrants crisis: More than 2,000 people rescued near Libya coast
(about 5 hours later)
Italy's coastguard says a major operation is under way to rescue up to 3,000 migrants off the coast of Libya. More than 2,000 migrants and refugees have been rescued from boats off the coast of Libya in one of the biggest single-day operations mounted, Italy's coastguards have said.
The coastguard received SOS calls from 18 vessels - four boats and 14 rubber dinghies, Italian news agency Ansa said. Distress calls came from more than 20 vessels, AFP reported.
At least 1,200 people have already been rescued from five of the boats, in one of the largest such operations to date. More than 2,000 people have died this year in attempts to reach Europe in overcrowded, unseaworthy boats.
The route from Libya to Italy is one of the busiest for migrants trying to enter Europe. The route from Libya to Italy is one of the busiest for those trying to enter Europe.
Of the 264,500 migrants the United Nations says have crossed the Mediterranean so far this year, close to 104,000 have landed in Italy. Another 160,000 arrived in Greece.Of the 264,500 migrants the United Nations says have crossed the Mediterranean so far this year, close to 104,000 have landed in Italy. Another 160,000 arrived in Greece.
Two Italian ships and various other Italian vessels are involved in Saturday's rescue effort, as well as the Norwegian military ship Siem Pilot, which has been deployed as part of the EU's Triton patrol mission. Two Italian navy ships were involved in Saturday's rescue effort. Responding to two wooden boats in danger of sinking, the Cigala Fulgosi picked up 507 people and the Vega 432, the navy said.
Earlier on Saturday, the Norwegian ship rescued 320 people before being diverted to the latest emergency. Various other Italian vessels were involved in the rescue effort, as well as the Norwegian military ship Siem Pilot, which has been deployed as part of the EU's Triton patrol mission.
And last week, it rescued more than 300 people from a boat in the Mediterranean, but 49 people were found dead having apparently inhaled fuel fumes. A boat belonging to humanitarian group Doctors without Borders rescued 311 people, including a new-born baby,
The coastguard said patrol boats had boarded a total of just under 1,000 people from various unseaworthy fishing boats and inflatables from Friday night to Saturday morning.
At least another 1,000 people were reported to be headed for Italian ports on other boats.
The increase in rescues prompted criticism of the centre-left Prime Minister Matteo Renzi.
"This must be a joke. We are using our own forces to do the people smugglers' business for them and ensure we are invaded," said Maurizio Gasparri, a senator for Silvio Berlusconi's centre-right Forza Italia party.
Populist anti-immigration politician Matteo Salvini called on the government to take the migrants and refugees to disused Italian oil rigs off Libya.
Humanitarian groups say the surge in numbers is because of conflicts and repression in Africa and the Middle East, and European governments should do more to create safe routes to Europe.
Meanwhile, police in the city of Palermo in Sicily have arrested six Egyptian nationals on suspicion of people smuggling after a rescue on 19 August.Meanwhile, police in the city of Palermo in Sicily have arrested six Egyptian nationals on suspicion of people smuggling after a rescue on 19 August.
The vessel was carrying 432 people - more than ten times as many as it was designed for. Some of those on board said they had to pay smugglers to come up for air from the cargo hold, AFP reported. The vessel was carrying 432 people - more than 10 times as many as it was designed for. Some of those on board said they had to pay smugglers to come up for air from the cargo hold, AFP reported.