4,600 migrants rescued, 28 bodies recovered off Italy

Migrants aboard a dingy boat AFP PHOTO / STRINGER

The Italian coastguard on Wednesday said 4,655 migrants were rescued and 28 bodies were recovered in 33 operations on the stretch of sea between Sicily and Libya.

The European Union border agency, Frontex and several non-governmental organisations said the rescues took place on Tuesday, with the contribution of Italian and Irish navies, private merchant ships and tug boats.

“Authorities intercepted 27 dinghies, five small boats and one larger vessel,’’ the Guardia Costiera said.

On Monday, no fewer than 6,000 migrants were rescued and 10 bodies were recovered, including of a pregnant woman.

It added that two other women gave birth immediately after being rescued by the coastguard.

NAN

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