EUROPE 02:31 06.07.2016 Topic: Major Migrant Crisis in Europe
About 4,500 Migrants Rescued in Mediterranean Over Past 24 Hours

Approximately 4,500 migrants and refugees trying to reach Europe were rescued in the last 24 hours near the Sicilian Strait, the Italian coast guard said Tuesday.

ROME (Sputnik) – About 30 rescue operations were conducted by the Italian navy, coast guard and EU border agency Frontex supported by a number of non-governmental organizations, the coast guard said.

The coast guard vessel Diciotti alone rescued on Monday 1,104 migrants and refugees, who were on board of a small ship and five pneumatic boats that were in distress. The coast guard’s press service issued a video with one of such rescue operations that saved 435 people, including 124 women and 18 children.

Europe is currently facing a major refugee crisis, with hundreds of thousands of migrants attempting to reach perceived as wealthy EU member states through various routes, including via Italy, Greece, Turkey and Balkan states. According to the International Organization for Migration (IOM) about 200,000 people have arrived in Europe since the beginning of 2016.

About 4,500 Migrants Rescued in Mediterranean Over Past 24 Hours