Tue May 31, 2016 16:45:11
The Italian Coast Guard coordinated the rescue of a total of 668 migrants trying to cross the Mediterranean on Saturday.
The rescue operations happened in the Sicily Channel off the Libyan coast and were conducted by various ships, belonging to the Italian navy, the European Union Naval Force in the Mediterranean (EUNAVFOR MED) and the Irish navy.
Two ships from non-profit organizations also took part in the rescues.
According to the International Organization for Migration, 2,061 people have died or gone missing this year in the Mediterranean Sea trying to cross from Northern Africa or from Turkey to Europe.
204,311 migrants and refugees have crossed the Mediterranean sea to reach Europe since the beginning of 2016.
The influx of migrants making the crossing is increasing with favorable weather conditions and calm seas.
S/SH 11
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