Elevate your local knowledge

Sign up for the iNFOnews newsletter today!

Select Region

Italy navy: 135 saved, 45 bodies retrieved from migrant boat

ROME – The Italian navy says it has saved 135 migrants from a sinking boat and recovered 45 bodies in the Mediterranean.

The navy said earlier Friday it was aiding the partially sunk boat in the sea between Libya and Italy, a route smugglers’ boats use in a lucrative business to transport those fleeing wars and poverty onto European shores. In other rescues, the navy saved hundreds of migrants, part of a one-day total of some 2,000 migrants rescued in operations co-ordinated by the Italian coast guard.

A cargo ship, tug boats as well as vessels run by volunteer groups helped in the multiple rescue operations. Smugglers, taking advantage of calm seas, have sent dozens of boats toward Italy this week, including one capsizing Wednesday, killing at least five.

News from © The Associated Press, . All rights reserved.
This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Join the Conversation!

Want to share your thoughts, add context, or connect with others in your community?

The Associated Press

The Associated Press is an independent global news organization dedicated to factual reporting. Founded in 1846, AP today remains the most trusted source of fast, accurate, unbiased news in all formats and the essential provider of the technology and services vital to the news business. More than half the world’s population sees AP journalism every day.