Libyan coastguards rescue hundreds of illegal migrants en route to Europe

BY Libyan Express May 07, 2018 - 12:19

Illegal immigrants, who were rescued by the Libyan coastguard in the Mediterranean off the Libyan coast, arrive at a naval base in the capital Tripoli on May 10, 2017. [AFP PHOTO / MAHMUD TURKIA]

The Libyan coastguards intercepted Sunday hundreds of migrants, including women and children, in the Mediterranean Sea.

Libyan Navy announced that three boats were stopped on Sunday before leaving the Libyan territorial waters off the coast of western districts: Zuwara, Sabratha, and Ras Ajdir, near Tunisian border.

“The first boat was carrying 98 migrants, including nine women, and it was intercepted near the shores of Zuwara. Most on board were Arab nationals from Algeria, Tunisia, and Morocco. The second boat, stopped near Sabratha, was carrying 114 migrants. A migrant from that boat drowned and a second is missing. The third boat, with 97 migrants, was intercepted near Tripoli’s Janzour area.” the Navy said in a statement.

Libya has been number one route to Europe for migrants from Africa and the Middle East.

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