Another Rescue of African Migrants

A fishing boat carrying about 700 African migrants capsized in the Mediterranean Sea.  The fishing vessel experienced mechanical difficulties about 15 nautical miles from the Libyan coast when it sent a distress signal, which was picked up by the Cantinian Coast Guard. Irish military officials report that at least 150 people were spotted in the sea.

The Doctors Without Borders (MSF) ship M/V Dignity One, and the Irish Navy patrol vessel Le Niamh as well as three other vessels were dispatched on the rescue mission. An Italian military helicopter was also seen dropping life rafts in order to assist people in the sea. The MSF reports that it has rescued 94 people. On August 4th, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) reported that more than 2,000 migrants have died this year attempting to reach Europe.