On Friday alone, seven separate operations picked up 1,050 people as they tried to make the crossing to Europe. The German NGOs Sea-Watch and Sea-Eye said they had rescued nearly half the total picked up -- 450 -- from three overcrowded vessels. The Libyan vessel, however, maintained its distance and all the migrants were rescued by the two NGOs. In recent months the Libyan coastguard has taken responsibility for a growing number of rescue operations, subsequently returning those rescued to Libya. On Thursday, an Italian navy ship rescued 69 migrants, while a Portuguese navy boat taking part in Frontex's anti-trafficking Triton Operation rescued 296 more.

Source: The Nation Bangkok May 25, 2018 21:45 UTC